Housing Rights of Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking

Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking have housing rights under federal law, as well as under some state and local laws. These rights are meant to ensure that survivors have access to and can safely live in shelter or housing. Survivors have critical rights whether they want to stay in their housing or shelter or move out and find another place to live. This webinar helps survivor advocates and homeless shelter and housing program advocates understand the basic housing rights of survivors and provide information to help survivors get assistance to access these vital protections. The interactive webinar spotlights scenarios from the Community-based Advocates Toolkit: A Resource Guide for Professionals Helping Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Dating Violence Survivors (2019), published by the National Alliance for Safe Housing and the National Housing Law Project. This webinar provides an update on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA, provides an overview of federal housing protections, specifically VAWA, the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504); provides an overview of state and local housing protections; applies the federal housing protections to scenarios involving discrimination, documentation, and notice/rental agreements/leases; and provides resources.

• Webinar Recording
• Slides – Housing Rights of Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, and Stalking
• Community-based Advocates Toolkit: A Resource Guide for Professionals Helping Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Dating Violence Survivors
• Violence Against Women Act – Know Your Housing Rights Brochure
• VAWA’s Housing Protections are Still in Effect – A Template Letter for Advocates