+ Can I call the police if I am being abused and am an undocumented immigrant (commonly known as "illegal alien")?
+ Will immigration authorities be called if I call the police?
+ Can I get an Order of Protection/Restraining Order even though I am not a U.S. citizen or legal resident?
+ How can I speak to an immigration attorney if I cannot afford one?
+ How can I get help if I am a Domestic Violence victim?
+ How do I know if I am a victim of domestic violence?
+ What can I expect when I call CHETNA?
+ Is there a fee for CHETNA'S services?
- How an abuser can discover your Internet activities? Ý
History/Cache file: If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), they may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the internet.
You may clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings:
Pull down Edit menu, select Preferences. Click on Navigator on choose 'Clear History'. Click on Advanced, then select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache".
On older versions of Netscape: Pull down Options menu. Select Network Options, Select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache."
Internet ExplorerPull down Tools menu, select Internet Options. On General page, under Temporary Internet Files, click on "Delete Files". Under History click on "Clear History".
Pull down Members menu, select Preferences. Click on WWW icon. Then select Advanced. Purge Cache.
*This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the Internet would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.
These are easy safety measures you can take to protect yourself if your abuser monitors your computer use.
- Can I call the police if I am being abused and am an undocumented immigrant (commonly known as "illegal alien")? Ý
You can call 911 in case of emergency. Domestic violence is a crime regardless of your legal status. You have the legal right to keep your immigration status private. You do not have to tell the police or a shelter what your immigration status is.
- Will immigration authorities be called if I call the police? Ý
No. The INS and your local police are separate organizations. Everyone, regardless of his or her immigration status, is entitled to seek legal protection against domestic violence.
- Can I get an Order of Protection/Restraining Order even though I am not a U.S. citizen or legal resident? Ý
Yes. You do not need to be a U.S citizen or legal resident to get an order of protection/restraining order.
- How can I speak to an immigration attorney if I cannot afford one? Ý
If you cannot afford to pay for an attorney, you may qualify for free legal aid. Contact us at 1-866-410-5565 for more information.
- How can I get help if I am a Domestic Violence victim? Ý
Please contact us at 1-866-410-5565 or chetna_dfw@yahoo.com to learn about your rights and options.
- How do I know if I am a victim of domestic violence? Ý
Click here to learn more about domestic violence.
- What can I expect when I call CHETNA? Ý
Your call will be answered by a trained counselor, who is there to LISTEN. If you choose to seek help, we can guide you through your options to achieve your goals, emotional or physiological. Your privacy and safety are our top priorities.
Remember, if you are in immediate DANGER and need IMMEDIATE help, please call 911.
- Is there a fee for CHETNA'S services? Ý
We do not charge any fees for our services. We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, who is here to help.
CHETNA Helpline: 1.866.410.5565