VAWA provides immigration protections for individuals who have experienced abuse by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. Despite its name, these protections apply to both women and men. Eligible individuals may self-petition independently, without the knowledge or participation of the abusive spouse. The goal is to allow victims to pursue lawful status while separating from an abusive relationship. Psychological evaluations help document the emotional and psychological impact of abuse, including experiences of extreme cruelty. Abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological and does not always involve visible injuries or witnesses. “Extreme cruelty” may include threats of violence, coercion, isolation, humiliation, or controlling behavior. Non-physical abuse is often significant and may occur without witnesses. Evaluations are conducted in a safe, confidential setting and provide clear, professional documentation of how these experiences affect emotional well-being, daily functioning, and overall quality of life.