Anna's Story
Anna’s story is, unfortunately, common to the advocates at Sarah’s Inn. She is an immigrant from Mexico who speaks little English. When Anna realized that the domestic violence she was enduring at the hands of her partner could be fatal – she sought help to free herself from the abuse. Anna was referred to Sarah’s Inn by her pastor and quickly learned that there was a way for her to become safe and stay in the United States. With an advocate’s help, Anna obtained an Order of Protection against her abuser and applied for a U-Visa. “The U-Visa process can be confusing and intimidating”, says Liz Figueroa-Serrano, a long-time Sarah’s Inn advocate, “and Anna was amazing! She followed through with every detail of the process.”
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Anna is now living in a safe place, and in December 2009 she obtained her U-Visa. She still comes to Sarah’s Inn for on-going support and counseling. In January, Anna sent us a letter, along with a beautiful painting of sunflowers (left). She has graciously given us permission to share her story. “Through this letter I would like to thank Sarah’s Inn for all the help and support I have received. Before meeting you all I was sad, bleak and almost without hope because I had knocked on many doors looking for help without receiving any answer, but at the end of the tunnel, you were there with your heart and arms open to comfort and help women like me. Thank you for everything, now I know that I am not alone. Continue like that - don’t fail in this work of saving lives, because that is what you do, save lives. One and one thousand thank you’s.”
If you would like more information on the legal remedies available to immigrant victims of domestic violence please call our 24 Hour Crisis Line at (708) 386-4225.