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Housing rights for victims of domestic violence

06.01.2020

Housing rights for victims of domestic violence

SHA is concerned about the safety of its tenants, and that concern includes individuals and families who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. The Violence Against Women Act of 2013 (VAWA) provides certain protections for victims who are receiving assistance through federally-funded programs, such as SHA. The protections are available regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.  

In summary, otherwise qualified applicants and tenants may not be denied admission to, denied assistance under or be terminated from participation, or evicted from housing, because they are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. 

Assistance includes, but is not limited to, transferring a victim to a different unit or for voucher holders, allowing them to move with continued assistance. On SHA properties it can include seeking legal remedies to prevent a perpetrator from acting on a threat, barring a perpetrator from the property, contacting law enforcement to increase police presence or developing other plans to help keep the victim and community safe. 

All information provided to SHA regarding domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking, including the fact that an individual is a victim of such violence or stalking, shall be maintained in strict confidence. 

For detailed SHA policies regarding domestic violence, visit SHA’s website.

SHA residents: See Chapter 2, Section 3 of Administrative and Continuing Occupancy Policy

Housing Choice Voucher participants: See Chapter 1, Section H of Administrative Plan and Policies 

If you are an SHA resident or voucher participant, victim of domestic violence and have related needs regarding housing, contact your property manager or caseworker.  Or you can contact one of SHA’s call centers listed in the information below: 

Information for SHA residents 

Information for HCV participants 

For other help and resources: 

Emergency situation: 911 

National Domestic Violence Hot Line: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233), (TTY) 1.800.787.3224, TheHotLine.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE (4673) 

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Response to Coronavirus and Resources

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services: Domestic violence resources

In related news, on May 15 Gov. Jay Inslee extended a COVID-19 proclamation aimed at protecting domestic violence victims