Canada immigration rules all for victims of abuse, from visa extension to permanent residence

Canada could be strict in its immigration policies, but it knows what to do when the same policy is used to violate a person’s life and threatens to isolate him/her. Announcing its support for the victims of abuse, the country follows the steps taken by other nations that have established special help centers for people suffering from domestic violence and emotional and physical abuse.

This is a welcome move by Canada, especially in the wake of the COVID pandemic, which has forced spouses to spend the entire day together. Victims of abuse now have to put up with more than normal times since their abuser is always there to control their moves.

“You do not have to stay in an abusive relationship”- Canada Helps you to stay stronger

Officials in the Canadian immigration promote their agenda of safety for immigrants in the wake of the current situation when victims are often threatened to be stripped off their rights as a permanent resident if they voiced their concerns with the department.

More often than not, victims are often told that they would either face jail and have to lose their children if they are not in a relationship with their PR spouse. “That condition not longer exists,”    chime officials.

Getting help- Canada Government extends all help to you to prevent from victimization of sexual abuse

There is absolutely no shame in getting help, as the Canadian Government insists. Victims can report any abuse to helplines provided by the government. The help centers not only provide important information, but also provide emotional support to victims, if:

• The victim feels isolated or alone
• If he/she need to know about his permanent residence status in the wake of an emergency exit
• If you fear for your safety and the safety of your children
• If you do not know how to communicate in English

In case of temporary residence stature

There’s still help. Even if you have a temporary resident status, you could ask the government for an extension or renewal of the status. If the temporary status has expired, you may be able to restore your status or request for a special permit to stay in Canada temporarily. You could also seek permission to be a permanent resident on humanitarian and compassionate  grounds.

But, before that….

You have to understand what is domestic violence and which activities are not tolerated in Canada:

• The act of controlling someone else’s life
• Keeping a close watch on where someone goes and does without their permission
• Stalking
• Physical and emotional abuse including pushing, thrashing, humiliating, insulting
• Holding someone back from meeting friends and family
• Illegal confinement
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse restricting someone’s right to exercise the right to take care of oneself and the children
• Withholding passport, identification or any other important document
• Neglecting one’s medical, dietary, and other requirements of daily life

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Pallavi Sen Gupta

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