Central West Justice Center (CWJC) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Legal Aid (CLA), provides free civil legal aid to our low-income and immigrant neighbors in Central and Western Massachusetts. In one case, CWJC advocates helped "Cintia", a young woman from rural Guatemala, successfully obtain asylum.

Cintia, endured significant abuse by her ex-partner, Ricardo. With limited police resources her community relied on local councils of elders for dispute resolution. Cintia reported Ricardo’s abuse, but although the council told Ricardo he should stop, there was no way to enforce the order.

Desperate for protection, Cintia travelled to the nearest town seek a protection order. Court staff told Cintia that it would be better for her and her sons if she stayed with Ricardo, leaving her unprotected.

After moving to the United States with Ricardo and their two young sons, the abuse continued. In Massachusetts, Cintia reported the violence to the police, and was able to obtain a restraining order, finally achieving physical safety.

Represented by Central West Justice Center Coordinating Attorney Alexandra Bonazoli, Cintia applied for asylum.

Attorney Bonazoli explained, “Asylum offers protection in the United States to those who cannot return to their own countries due to persecution in the past or fear of persecution in the future. In order to meet the requirements of asylum, the persecution the applicant fears must be because of certain protected characteristics, or a central part of the applicant’s identity that cannot be changed.”

In Cintia’s case, she and her lawyers argued that the severe domestic violence she suffered was due to her being a woman, and particularly being a woman in a place that viewed domestic violence as an acceptable way for a man to treat his female partner. The immigration judge agreed, and granted her protection in the form of asylum.

Reflecting on her journey, Cintia noted that while Guatemala ignored her pleas, in Massachusetts she was finally heard and protected. Thanks to CWJC's help, Cintia can now pursue lawful permanent residence for herself and her sons, building a safe and stable future in the U.S.

Read more stories like this one in Community Legal Aid's Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report.
*Central West Justice Center, a subsidiary of Community Legal Aid, receives no funding from the Legal Services Corporation.

2026 Franklin County Access to Justice Campaign supporting Community Legal Aid

2026 Franklin County Access to Justice Campaign

2026 Franklin County Access to Justice Campaign supporting Community Legal Aid