At Solovyova Law Firm, we recently helped Ms. Maria Rodriguez (name changed), a brave woman from El Salvador, and her daughter win asylum in the United States. Ms. Rodriguez fled severe abuse from her husband and threats from the dangerous Mara-18 gang, who targeted her as a store owner.
Understanding Her Asylum Case
One of the biggest challenges Ms. Rodriguez faced was understanding the legal basis for her asylum claim. She needed to explain that being a woman in El Salvador put her at risk of harm and that her gender was a key reason for the abuse and why she couldn’t leave the relationship.
In El Salvador, the machismo culture treats women as property, making it very difficult for them to escape abusive relationships. We argued that Ms. Rodriguez belongs to a particular social group:
- Women in El Salvador
- Salvadoran women who are unable to leave abusive relationships
We also showed that her beliefs and actions—standing up against male domination—put her at even greater risk of persecution.
Overcoming Trauma to Tell Her Story
Ms. Rodriguez was deeply traumatized by her past experiences. Sometimes, she would forget or block painful events or explain them in a way that wouldn’t help her asylum case. She also struggled with feelings of guilt, often blaming herself for what happened.
We spent many hours working with her to help her tell her story in a way that met the legal requirements for asylum. It was important that she could clearly explain how she was persecuted and why she could not safely return to El Salvador.
A Successful Outcome
Through patience, support, and legal expertise, we were able to present a strong case, and Ms. Rodriguez and her daughter were granted asylum. This result allows them to start a new life free from fear and violence.
Seeking Help for Domestic Violence Asylum
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and afraid to return to your home country, we can help. At Solovyova Law Firm, we understand how difficult it is to share painful experiences, and we are here to guide you through the asylum process with care and expertise.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you seek protection in the U.S.
