Many abusers wrongly threaten their wives that if she were to call these agencies for help, she will be deported. There are a variety of legal protections for immigrant battered women. In addition, if a woman has a conditional greencard, she can also file for a battered women's spouse waiver. Abused women may also be eligible for other protections, such as political asylum. Sakhi, and other agencies, can provide women with access to free legal services, if she cannot afford a lawyer.
All children suffer from witnessing their father abuse their mother.
In addition to the psychological effects, children can, in fact, be direct targets of abuse. Studies indicate that it is better for children to live without their perpetrating father than in a two-parent household that is abusive. Also, boys who witness abuse are at greater risk to become perpetrators of violence in adulthood. There are many reasons why abused women do not leave. For many, leaving may not be an alternative.