HUD’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Overview

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a crucial piece of legislation designed to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), VAWA plays a significant role in protecting survivors and ensuring their access to safe housing.

Key Provisions of VAWA

Housing Protections: VAWA ensures that survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking are protected from eviction and denial of housing assistance based on incidents of violence. This means that if a tenant is a victim of these crimes, their housing cannot be terminated solely because of the violence that occurred.
Confidentiality: HUD regulations require that housing providers maintain the confidentiality of survivors. This includes protecting any information related to the survivor’s status as a victim of violence, helping to ensure their safety and privacy.
Emergency Transfer Plan: VAWA mandates that housing providers establish emergency transfer plans for survivors. This allows individuals to quickly relocate to a safe unit if they are in immediate danger, helping to mitigate the risk of further violence.
Eligibility for Assistance: Survivors are not penalized in terms of eligibility for housing assistance due to their experiences with violence. HUD ensures that individuals can still qualify for assistance programs even if their circumstances are impacted by domestic violence.
Access to Resources: HUD promotes awareness and access to various resources for survivors, including legal assistance and support services that can help them navigate their situations and secure safe housing.

Impact of VAWA

VAWA significantly enhances the ability of survivors to find and maintain stable housing, which is a critical component of recovery and safety. By providing these protections, HUD aims to reduce the barriers faced by individuals affected by violence, ultimately contributing to a safer and more supportive community.

Commitment to Survivors

At Pinellas County Housing Authority, we are dedicated to supporting the mission of VAWA. We recognize the importance of safe and secure housing for all individuals, especially those who have experienced violence. Our staff is trained to assist survivors in understanding their rights and accessing the protections afforded to them under VAWA.

For more information about HUD’s Violence Against Women Act or to seek assistance, please contact us at (727) 443-7684. We are here to help and support you through every step of your journey.

How to File a HUD VAWA Claim

If you are a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking you may be eligible for protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) as it relates to your housing situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file a VAWA claim with the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA).

Step 1: Understand Your Rights

Before filing a claim, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your rights under VAWA. You cannot be denied housing assistance or evicted solely based on incidents of domestic violence. If you are facing eviction or loss of housing assistance, VAWA provides protections to help you.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documentation

While VAWA does not require extensive documentation, having the following information ready can help streamline the process:

Personal Information: Your name, contact information, and details about your housing situation.
Incident Details: A brief description of the violence you experienced, including dates and any relevant information.
Supporting Documentation: If available, gather any police reports, protective orders, or other evidence related to the incidents.

Step 3: Contact PCHA

Reach out to PCHA to discuss your situation. You can do this via phone, email, or in person. Inform us that you are seeking assistance under VAWA. Ask for guidance on our specific procedures and any forms you may need to complete.

Step 4: Complete Required Forms

Fill out any forms provided by PCHA related to VAWA claims. See applicable VAWA forms below
under “Additional Information and Resources“.

Make sure to review your forms carefully for accuracy before submission.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim

Once you have completed the necessary forms, submit your claim to PCHA. Ensure you keep a copy of everything you submit for your records. You can submit your claim online, by mail, or in person.

Step 6: Follow Up

After submitting your claim, follow up with PCHA to confirm receipt and inquire about the timeline for processing your claim. Be sure to maintain communication, PCHA may require additional information or clarification.

Step 7: Know Your Options

If you believe your rights under VAWA are not being honored or if you face challenges during the process, consider seeking assistance from legal aid organizations or advocacy groups specializing in housing and domestic violence issues.

Additional Information and Resources

You may view a copy of HUD’s final VAWA rule at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/11/16/2016-25888/violence-against-women-reauthorization-act-of-2013-implementation-in-hud-housing-programs

For help regarding an abusive relationship, you may call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or, for persons with hearing impairments, 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). You may also contact Suncoast Center, Inc. at (727) 388-1220 or http://www.suncoastcenter.org/

For tenants who are or have been victims of stalking seeking help may visit the National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center at https://www.victimsofcrime.org/our-programs/stalking-resource-center.

For help regarding sexual assault, you may contact 24 Hour Rape Crisis Hot Line (727) 530-RAPE (7273) or the Abuse Hotline (800) 962-2873.

Victims of stalking seeking help may contact Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) 24/7 Hotline: (727) 895-4912, TTY/TDD: (727) 828-1269, 24/7 online chat: www.CASAPinellas.org/chat , Fax: (727) 821-7101, or Hope Villages of America – The Haven 24/7 Hotline: (727) 442-4128, TTY/TTD: (727) 446-2148, Fax: (727) 461-4702, Website: https://hopevillagesofamerica.org/

Bay Area Legal Services provides free civil legal services to low-income residents residing in Pinellas County who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. To apply for services call (800) 625-2257 or apply online at https://bals.org/

Housing Choice Voucher Program

Public Housing Program (Rainbow Village and Pinellas Heights, 21 units)

Multifamily Housing Program (Norton Apartments)

HUD’s Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Overview

RentCafe for Residents

RentCafe for Applicants

RentCafe for Landlords

VendorCafe for Vendors

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Phone: 727.443.7684 • Fax: 727.443.6894 • TDD: 800.955.8770 • TTY: 800.955.8771
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