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When applying for protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), you must prove that you lived with the abuser. This requirement can be challenging, but there are several ways to provide evidence of shared residence. Gathering the right documentation is crucial to strengthening your case for a Green Card or other forms of relief.

To prove shared residence, you can provide documents like signed lease agreements, utility bills, and mail addressed to both you and the abuser at the same address. These records are important for showing that you lived together. Additionally, affidavits from neighbors, friends, or family members who can confirm your living situation can also be valuable. The affidavits should discuss the times that these individuals visited you at the shared residence and provide details proving you lived together.  These statements can support your claim when formal documents are not available.

In the absence of formal records, personal testimony can also play a key role. A detailed account of your living situation, including dates and addresses, description of the residence, daily routines, and more, can help establish shared residence. Photos or videos of shared living spaces or joint activities may also serve as useful evidence in some cases.

Working with an experienced immigration attorney is essential. An attorney can guide you through the process and help you present your evidence effectively. You don’t need to prove you lived with the abuser for a long time, but providing as much evidence as possible will make your case stronger.

For more information or to discuss your case, call Agarwal Law Group at 703-348-1663 to schedule a consultation. We're here to help you navigate the process.

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