Violence Against Women Act Passes House, Expected To Be Signed Into Law

Legislation Expands Housing Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors

Press Type: Press Release   Associated Program: Housing

Released: 02/2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) by a vote of 286-138. This is the same bill passed by the Senate on February 12, and will now go to President Barack Obama, who is expected to sign it into law.

This legislation received strong support from the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty and a coalition of 325 national organizations, who have been advocating for its passage for more than two years.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 extends VAWA's housing protections beyond public housing and Section 8 to include all housing programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. It also protects survivors of sexual assault.

To ensure abused women are not forced to choose between keeping their public or subsidized housing and becoming homeless, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 also requires housing providers to adopt emergency transfer policies. Moreover, it obligates housing providers to give survivors notice of their VAWA rights during any eviction process.

"We are thrilled to see the House finally act to protect survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault," said Jeremy Rosen, policy director at the Law Center. "Republicans and Democrats are in agreement that no one should ever be forced to choose between becoming homeless or remaining with an abuser. We're especially grateful to Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senators Patrick Leahy and Al Franken for their efforts. And we look forward to President Obama signing this bill into law and fulfilling our country's long-standing promise to support survivors and their families."

For more information, please contact: