Safe Housing for Survivors: A Public Policy Update

October 4, 2013

Ensuring that victims of domestic violence have access to safe, affordable housing is a priority for NNEDV, and we lead national efforts toward this goal. Our work secured expanded landmark housing protection in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) renewal in March 2013. VAWA protects victims who live in a range of federally subsidized housing programs from evictions based on the actions of their abusers and has created pathways for transferring to safer housing.

To turn the letter of the law into a reality for victims, NNEDV is engaged in ongoing work with key stakeholders and the Administration. This “implementation” work is a continual effort that is essential in shaping the law’s impact on survivors in danger. Recently, we were invited to participate, as part of a select group of invitees, in listening sessions with White House officials and other federal officials charged with implementing VAWA’s housing protections. NNEDV will continue to lead the implementation strategy to ensure that every survivor in federally subsidized housing can stay safely housed.