Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

All Applicants and Tenants

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides special protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are applying for or receiving assistance under certain federally assisted housing programs, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program.

VAWA protections are not only available to women but are available equally to all individuals regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the Federal agency that ensures certain housing programs are in compliance with VAWA.

Protections for Applicants and Tenants

If you are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking:

• You cannot be denied admission or federal rental assistance just because you are or have been a victim or a threatened victim.
• You cannot be evicted or lose your federal rental assistance just because you are or have been a victim or a threatened victim.
• You cannot be denied admission or rental assistance, evicted, or lose your subsidy for reasons related to the abuse, such as bad credit history and criminal history.
• Owners cannot deny tenancy to an otherwise eligible applicant based solely on the applicant having been or currently being a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

VAWA Resources:

• The National Domestic Violence Hot Line: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network’s National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or https://www.rainn.org/
• National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center: 1-855-484-2846 or The National Center for Victims of Crime
• Attorney General: Crime Victim Rights (michigan.gov)

Human Trafficking Resources:

• Human Trafficking (michigan.gov)
• National Human Trafficking Hotline
• Find Local Services | National Human Trafficking Hotline

VAWA Notices:

• Notice to Applicants and Tenants Regarding the Violence Against Women Act
• Notice to Owners and Managers Regarding the Violence Against Women Act
• MSHDA’s Emergency Transfer (Move) Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking

VAWA Forms:

• Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking
• Emergency Transfer Request For Certain Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking

Filing VAWA Complaints:

If you believe your VAWA rights have been violated, visit this link to file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). You can visit this link to find out more about the complaint process.

VAWA applies to you if you are applying for, or are a tenant in, any of these programs:

• Public housing
• Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program
• Section 8 project-based housing
• Section 202 housing for the elderly
• Section 811 housing for the disabled
• Section 236 multifamily rental housing
• Section 221(d)(3) Below Market Interest Rate
• Continuum of Care Program
• Emergency Solutions Grant Program
• HOME
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
• Housing Trust Fund
• McKinney-Vento Act homeless programs
• Rural Development multifamily housing
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) housing