VAWA is a federal law that helps all survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In 2022, VAWA expanded protections for survivors eligible for or participating in federally assisted housing programs. A federally assisted housing program is any housing program that receives federal funding. VAWA 2022 created for the first time a path for survivors to get help when their VAWA rights are violated.

Effective October 1, 2022, Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) will investigate complaints for VAWA violations. FHEO Notice 2023-01 explains that these complaints will be investigated using HUD’s existing Fair Housing Act complaint process. This resource includes some common questions regarding the new complaint process.