Immigrant in an Abusive Relationship (Not me)

Location: Oregon

I’m almost 17 and today I learned that a friend of my mom is in a highly abusive relationship and has no clear way out.

Here’s the situation:

For anonymity I will be calling the victim Jane and the abuser John.

Jane is an immigrant. They are being physically and psychologically abused by John. Jane is terrified of John. She has been given a black eye and forced to stay home to hide bruises on her arms while wearing long-sleeve shirts.

Jane does not have her green card (or whatever the thing that designates you as a US citizen is). For of fear of deportation and manipulation by John, they have not contacted the authorities, but have begged my mom for help.

Essentially, should she contact authorities and ask to be rescued, they could find out she is not a registered US citizen and deport her. I’ve read a bit about the “Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)” which apparently includes a section dedicated to immigrants, but according to this website (https://www.jeelani-law.com/if-you-are-in-an-abusive-relationship-with-a-us-citizen/) whatever process they have can take 12-24 months, and it is a genuine concern that she might die by then.

She also has enough trauma that should the authorities get involved, she likely would say nothing is wrong to avoid deportation and consequences form John.

This is a very delicate situation and I seriously need help.

If nothing else can be done, being deported might be her only escape, which would only be a last resort.