She was born in Arequipa. At the age of 8, after being abandoned by her parents, she worked as a domestic for a family in Lima until she was 16. There she was severly sexually abused. A year or two after leaving her domestic employer, she began a common law relationship with a man who also severly abused her. After 2 years of abuse, and 2 miscarriages caused by the abuse, she left Peru.
An asylum claim based on domestic violence is tricky under US asylum laws, which of course hem in claims by the teeming masses. But, we are forging forward.
We need to show that she really did not have protection from the Peruvian government, notwithstanding some recent apparently favorable laws. What systemic problems are there in Peru which prevent the average poor woman in Lima from truly getting protection and support?
What we need:
1. Recent documentation about the reality of domestic violence in Lima. I understand there has been some legislation favorable to women (including laws easing the burden on complainants, and the opening of women's police precincts), which show some government willingness to address this issue. But, how are these reforms working? Are all the new laws effective? What is the reality for a poor woman in Lima? (Our client did not feel she could get help from the police)
2. Ideally, we would like an affidavit from an expert, who could address the merits of our client's claim.
If anyone can help us out on these requests, please respond to me ASAP. We are in expedited Immigration Court Proceedings. We need to file documentation supposedly by Friday May 7th, but in the alternative, as soon as it is avaialble. (Her hearing is on May 21st).
Thanks for your interest.
Sincerely,
Lisa Reiner
Supervising Attorney
Immigrant and Refugee Rights Clinic
CUNY School of Law
65-21 Main Street
Flushing, NY 11367
(718)340-4300 ext: 4408
reiner@maclaw.law.cuny.edu