Psychological evaluation for VAWA cases

What this evaluation documents in a VAWA case

The report focuses on the psychological impact of physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse within the relationship, and on how that impact persists over time. It does not opine on the eligibility of your self-petition: it describes the clinical picture.

• A timeline of the abuse as you are able to reconstruct it, with the level of detail you choose.
• Current post-traumatic stress, anxiety or depressive symptoms, with their scores.
• Effects of coercive control: isolation, financial dependence, fear of reporting.
• Daily functioning: sleep, work, parenting, health and relationships.

What the interview is like

It is a 60 to 90 minute online clinical interview with the psychologist handling your case. At the start we explain what will be asked and why, and agree on how you can signal that you need a break. With heavy trauma histories it is usually split into two meetings.

• You can stop the session and continue another day, at no extra cost.
• We never push for details you cannot hold in the moment.
• You need a private space and a stable connection during the session.

Which instruments are used and why

We apply recognised scales so conclusions rest on data rather than impressions: the PCL-5 for post-traumatic stress symptoms and a depressive symptom inventory. Scores and their clinical interpretation appear inside the report, never on their own or without context.

How your attorney uses the report

It is usually filed as supporting documentation for your declaration: it helps explain gaps in the account, why a report to the police was delayed or never made, and the distress present today. We do not opine on the outcome of the case, which is a legal decision for the immigration authority.

Confidentiality

Clinical notes and files stay in a private record only the assigned clinician can open. Nothing is shared with third parties — including the person who abused you — without your written authorisation, and you can request a copy of your report at any time.