The Trump Effect — Too Scared to Report Sexual Abuse. The Fear: Deportation.
Jennifer Medina of the New York Times reports on one of the natural consequences of the climate of fear created in the immigrant community by the Trump administration’s immigration initiatives:
“Domestic violence has always been a notoriously difficult crime to prosecute. It often takes victims years to seek help, and they frequently have to be persuaded to testify against their assailants. And for many undocumented victims, taking that step has become exceedingly difficult because of fears that the government will detain and deport them if they press charges, according to law enforcement officials, lawyers and advocates from across the country.”
As one informed observer mentioned, ““It’s really the opposite of what anyone should want. All of this strengthens the abusive partner.”
KJ