Catholic Charities agencies, shelters to aid immigrant crime victims

Published: 2007-03-19

DALLAS (CNS) -- Three Catholic Charities partner agencies and three family violence shelters have joined forces to provide increased legal aid to immigrants victimized by crime or domestic violence in 70 north Texas counties. The North Texas Legal Assistance for Immigrant Victims Project involves Catholic Charities agencies in Dallas, Fort Worth and Tyler, as well as the Family Haven Crisis and Resource Center in Paris, the Women's Center of East Texas in Longview and First Step Inc. in Wichita Falls. "Immigrants who are victims of crime or domestic violence often don't know who to go to for help with legal matters, or that help is even available to them," said Ana Olivares, an immigration counselor at Catholic Charities of Dallas. "They're afraid of being deported if they go to the wrong person for help, so many times they don't ask for help at all," she added. "We want to change that." A hot line has been established at (800) 466-6526; it will provide callers with information regarding family violence shelters, personal safety, immigration questions and other topics.

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