Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

VAWA Occupancy Rights Notice

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. VAWA protections are not only 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 oversees that the Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority (WMHA) is in compliance with VAWA. (HUD-5380)

---

Protections of Tenants

If you are receiving assistance under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program (HCV), you may not be denied assistance, terminated from participation, or be evicted from your rental housing because you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking, as defined by HUD.

---

Protections of Applicants

If you are a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program applicant, you cannot be denied admission or denied assistance because you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined by HUD.

---

Moving to Another Unit

Upon your request, WMHA may permit you to move to another unit and maintain your assistance. In order to approve a request, WMHA may ask you to provide documentation that you are requesting to move because of an incident of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. You will be required to certify that you meet the criteria for an emergency transfer under VAWA:

1. You are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
2. You expressly request the emergency transfer
3. You reasonably believe you are threatened with imminent harm from further violence if you remain in the current unit OR
4. You are a victim of sexual assault, and the assault occurs on the premises during the 90-calendar-day period before you request a transfer

---

Victim Support

Questions about VAWA please call WMHA at 330-264-2727.

The VAWA Coordination Team assists residents receiving subsidy from WMHA who are victims of non-random crimes (i.e. domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking). In many cases, instances of community violence¹ may not qualify for VAWA Protections.

---

Resources for Survivors

National Human Trafficking Resources Center/Polaris Project
888-373-7888
Text: HELP to BeFree
(233733)
www.polarisproject.org

National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health
312-726-7020 ext.2011
www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org