VAWA Resources

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was amended and reauthorized under the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA 2022). VAWA 2022 added to, and did not replace, the existing VAWA housing protections for survivors of VAWA violence/abuse. As provided by law, the Housing Authority of Douglas County (HADCO) will not deny admission to any applicant or terminate assistance to any participant on the basis that the applicant/participate is or has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking if the applicant otherwise qualifies for admission or the tenant otherwise qualifies for continued assistance. A document outlining applicant and tenant rights under VAWA is available in the Supporting Documents below (HUD 5380). While human trafficking is not specifically included as a VAWA-covered crime in the Violence Against Women Act or in its reauthorization acts, human trafficking survivors may have experienced VAWA violence or abuse while being trafficked.

VAWA protections are not limited to women and are available regardless of age or actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or marital status. Victims cannot be discriminated against on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity), familial status, disability, or age. HUD-assisted and HUD-insured housing must also be made available to all otherwise eligible individuals and families regardless of age, or actual or perceived gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status.

HADCO will follow all guidelines set forth in VAWA. HADCO requires applicants/tenants to provide written certification that the applicant/tenant or a member of the applicant/tenant’s household is or has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking when seeking VAWA protections. HADCO provides a certification form that was created by HUD to help applicants/tenants certify their status as a victim of VAWA violence/abuse (HUD 5382 – available below). However, tenants may provide written certification in any other form provided it includes the required information.

The VAWA gives an owner/landlord the authority to bifurcate a lease so that they can terminate the tenancy of one leaseholder, the perpetrator of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking, without terminating the tenancy of the second leaseholder, the victim of the VAWA violence/abuse.

If you have any questions about your rights under the Violence Against Women Act, please contact your Section 8 Representative or the Property Management Director.