Five federal agencies affirm continued commitment to implement housing provisions under the Violence Against Women Act
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today joined four federal agencies—the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs— to issue an interagency statement on VAWA’s housing provisions. VAWA is a landmark piece of legislation that transformed the United States’ response to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The statement released today upholds the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring that survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking do not lose their housing or housing assistance, experience housing instability, or become at risk of homelessness, because of the violence that they have experienced.
President Biden’s commitment to preventing and addressing gender-based violence has remained a cornerstone of his career—from his championing of the initial passage of VAWA in 1994, to actions taken under his leadership during the Biden-Harris Administration. These actions have been outlined in a White House fact sheet that was released earlier today.
“This action today is a demonstration of the Biden Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting and supporting survivors,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “HUD knows that access to housing is critical to keeping survivors safe and helping them on their path to recovery. By expanding to virtual meetings and other alternative communication methods, we are making commonsense changes to get people the counseling they need no matter where they are.”
“At USDA, we know that affordable housing is a key foundation to building healthy and prosperous lives in rural America, and across the nation,” United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring survivors of gender-based violence continue to have the access they need to safe and affordable places they can call home, no matter their zip code.”
“Concern about keeping a roof over one’s head should never interfere with a person’s ability to seek safety from domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing VAWA’s essential protections for survivors.”
“The Violence Against Women Act’s housing protections provided for people who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, are critical to ensuring the safety and security of Americans,” said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. “The Treasury Department and Biden-Harris Administration remain committed to upholding these protections in the law.”
“Safe, affordable, and stable housing is critical for Veterans who have experienced gender-based violence and their families,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This anniversary underscores VA’s commitment to supporting Veterans who have survived domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking – both in our housing programs, and in everything we do.”
The Statement outlines the housing programs included in VAWA’s housing title, as well as potential scenarios that highlight the need for VAWA’s housing protections, the housing rights of survivors and others, federal agency obligations to implement VAWA’s housing title, and certain agency authorities to enforce these provisions.
Through the coordinated efforts of these agencies, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to strengthen enforcement of VAWA’s housing protections so that every survivor, regardless of their background, can have the support and resources they need to thrive.