Bristol Redevelopment & Housing Authority

Bristol Redevelopment & Housing Authority
 276-642-2001     web@brha.com

HUD Expands Housing Protections for Survivors of Violence

HUD Recently Expanded Housing Protections for Survivors of Violence: Key Protections Part of Larger Effort to Safeguard Those Living in Fear in Their Homes

Brief Background:   Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)  

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2016/HUDNo_16-159

All BRHA Residents and HCV Participants have been alerted to the following informational update. To voice concerns or questions, please call the BRHA Administrative Offices at 276.642.2001, 809 Edmond Street, Bristol, Virginia 24201-4385.

###

On March 7, 2013, President Obama signed The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013) into law. The law significantly expanded the housing protections to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, across HUD’s core housing and homelessness programs. HUD quickly modified its administrative practices to incorporate the core protections, but the more expansive protections required a change in regulation. The final rule announced today satisfies this requirement.

Last month, HUD also issued new guidance to assist local governments in the development and implementation of nuisance and crime-free ordinances to make certain they don’t violate victims’ rights under the Fair Housing Act.  These nuisance and crime-free ordinances can result in housing discrimination by requiring or encouraging evictions for use of emergency services, including 911 calls. Too often, these ordinances cause survivors of domestic violence to have to choose between keeping their home or protecting their own life. For additional information, visit the HUD website here.