MUNA LEGAL CLINIC

A program of the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

BACKGROUND

The MUNA Legal Clinic was created in 1997 to address the specific needs of immigrant clients across Iowa who have no other opportunities for legal representation. MUNA serves low-income immigrant survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault through a variety of family law and immigration legal issues. In 1994 congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) which among other things, created special immigration provisions to assist immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to obtain immigration relief. Through subsequent legislation VAWA was expanded creating a variety of immigration remedies for immigrant survivors of certain crimes of violence. To date MUNA has assisted more than 1000 immigrant survivors with immigration and family law matters including self petitions, U visas, cancellation of deportation, dissolution of marriage, child support, child custody and protection orders.

THE NEED

All women are at risk for domestic violence. Immigrant women and children however, due to their immigration status, face multiple layers of complex challenges when trying to access services to survive the abuse. Abusers often use immigration status or lack thereof to threaten, intimidate, confuse and control their victims. Immigration status becomes a very powerful tool at the hands of abusers. Obstacles including language barriers, social isolation, fear of deportation, and fear of law enforcement involvement, leave immigrant women feeling like they have no options other than staying with their abusers.

IMPORTANT STATISTICS

In 2003 4% of victims in domestic abuse cases where law enforcement intervened were of Hispanic descent.
According to the Iowa Attorney General's Office, 6% (or 1,767) of victims served by domestic violence programs in Iowa are Latinas.
Hispanics now make up the largest minority group in the state.
MUNA is the only organization in Iowa existing solely to meet the legal needs of immigrant survivors of domestic abuse.
In the past six months ASISTA, see below, responded to 297 requests for technical assistance in VAWA cases.

WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL

MUNA is a unique program that provides comprehensive services to immigrant survivors of domestic violence to ensure long term survival of the abuse. Our partnership with Iowa Legal Aid, the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, The University of Iowa College of Law, Drake Law School, and 28 project members located throughout the state allows us to address survivors' family law and immigration needs within the same agency. Our attorneys' partnership with Special Legal Immigration Advocates (SILAs) ensures a holistic and timely response to our clients need for counseling, economic advice, and legal services. Through the community organizing program, MUNA is present in the community engaging survivors and other community members to work on prevention and education in their communities. By preparing survivors to become stronger leaders, immigrant women and their children can have a voice in the system and are empowered with the tools to meet their needs.

WHAT ELSE? ASISTA

ASISTA (Advanced Special Immigrant Survivors Technical Assistance) is a nationwide technical assistance program. ASISTA's driving vision is to promote the security, independence and full participation of immigrant women in society. Immigrant women are the source of ASISTA's leadership and vision. ASISTA is staffed by six dedicated women, strategically located across the United States working collaboratively to provide the best services possible to attorneys and advocates across the nation.

If you or someone you know needs help escaping an abusive relationship please call the 24-hour statewide hotline at 1-800-942-0333.

PHONE: 515-244-2117 . FAX: 515-244-7417