{"id":8331,"date":"2023-04-20T16:45:29","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T16:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.us-hc.com\/?p=8445"},"modified":"2023-12-18T15:29:08","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T15:29:08","slug":"vawa-reauthorized-hud-strengthens-protections-for-victims-of-domestic-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.us-hc.com\/blogs\/vawa-reauthorized-hud-strengthens-protections-for-victims-of-domestic-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"VAWA Reauthorized: HUD Strengthens Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced added resources to advance housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).<\/p>\n

VAWA is a federal law originally enacted in 1994 that today protects individuals who are survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It includes protections for survivors who are applying for or residing in covered housing programs.<\/p>\n

The act was reauthorized in March 2022<\/a> by President Joe Biden. The new resources offered by HUD include a new VAWA website, a Notice setting out HUD\u2019s enforcement authority under VAWA, and up to $5 million in funding to provide VAWA training and technical assistance to HUD grantees and other stakeholders.nThe $5 million is part of a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Department\u2019s Community Compass Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program (NOFO). The available money will be awarded to Technical Assistance Providers (TA Providers) that will provide VAWA training sessions, technical assistance, and support to housing providers, grantees, and other stakeholders.nnOther alterations to VAWA include new provisions to address retaliation or the attempt to prevent residents from reporting issues with domestic violence and make it easier for HUD-housed victims to seek assistance from law enforcement without jeopardizing their housing.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one should have to choose between maintaining housing and staying safe. The Violence Against Women Act makes clear that survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking cannot be denied housing and are eligible for an emergency transfer should the need arise,\u201d said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge in a February press release. \u201cWe are making these protections clear on HUD\u2019s website, so landlords are aware of our requirements and survivors know their rights.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Further, in the Notice, HUD establishes that the Department will implement and enforce VAWA in such a way that provides the same rights and remedies as those provided under the Fair Housing Act. HUD\u2019s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) may now exercise discretion to investigate alleged or suspected non-compliance with VAWA, similar to how it may do so under the Fair Housing Act. VAWA also requires federal agencies, including HUD, to establish a process to review compliance with the applicable requirements in VAWA. HUD will implement this broader compliance review obligation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new website, enforcement notice, and technical assistance funding are critical first steps in helping survivors understand their VAWA rights and housing providers understand their obligations under VAWA,\u201d said Karlo Ng, HUD\u2019s Director on Gender-based Violence Prevention and Equity. \u201cAll these components are vital in ensuring that survivors can find and live in safe, stable, and affordable housing.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Covered Housing Programs<\/h2>\n

VAWA 2022 adds HUD\u2019s Section 202 Direct Loan10 program to the list of covered housing programs, which means that VAWA now applies to the following housing programs administered by Multifamily Housing:n<\/p>\n