40 Years, 40 Faces: Lisette

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Lisette’s husband was an emotional and physical abuser and, in his effort to control Lisette, was unwilling to sponsor her application to obtain legal status. He told Lisette if she left him, she would not be able to stay in the US. Lisette learned about VPLC’s Legal Assistance for Victim-Immigrants of Domestic Abuse (LA VIDA) program and was soon connected with an attorney. The attorney supported Lisette’s eventual decision to leave her abusive marriage and filed a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petition. Lisette has thrived since leaving her abuser. She’s not only become more independent with a job of her own but is thrilled that she’s learned to drive. Lisette developed her own inner strength and is now working and able to be a role model for her 18-year-old son, who is pursuing his education in a Virginia community college.

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“40 Years, 40 Faces” was a 2018 photography and storytelling project marking VPLC’s 40th anniversary. Photographer Glen McClure and writer Marshall McClure documented Virginians impacted by VPLC’s work, using portraits and interviews to highlight resilience, dignity, and the ongoing fight for justice.