You can get more information about employment authorization from the International Student and Scholar Advisor. Domestic Violence Academic and family responsibilities in unfamiliar surroundings far from friends and family often cause strains within the families of international students. Sometimes that strain can lead to domestic violence, or spouse abuse. Domestic violence ranges from mildly abusive actions to severely violent, life-threatening behavior. In the United States such occurrences are no longer sanctioned as private family matters.
Temporary shelters are available in most communities for victims of family violence.
International students with families often experience financial difficulties that are no different from those experienced by American students with families. Although the U.S. government has benefit programs designed to assist low-income families living in the United States, most such programs are available only to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Nonimmigrants on F, M, and J visas are generally not eligible. Unfortunately, administrators of many public assistance programs rarely have the expertise to assess eligibility based on immigration status. Remember that when you applied for your nonimmigrant visas you had to demonstrate to the consular officer that you had the means to support not only yourself but your dependents as well.