Violence Against Women Act

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protects individuals—regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation—who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. These protections apply to individuals seeking or receiving housing assistance under federal programs, including:

• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

• HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program

• Project-Based Section 8 Program

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🛡️ Your Rights Under VAWA

For Applicants

You cannot be denied housing assistance solely because you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

For Current Residents

If you receive assistance through one of the above programs, you may not be:

• Denied assistance

• Evicted

• Removed from housing
  …due to your experience with domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

You also cannot lose housing rights because of criminal activity related to abuse committed against you by a household member or guest.

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👥 What Is an “Affiliated Individual”?

An affiliated individual may include:

• Spouse, parent, sibling, or child

• A person under your care or legal custody

• Any lawful occupant in your household

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🔄 Removing an Abuser or Perpetrator

EBALDC may bifurcate a lease to evict or remove the person responsible for abuse, without affecting the rights of the remaining household members. We will follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws and provide time for remaining household members to establish eligibility for continued housing.

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🚚 Emergency Transfers

If you are a victim and feel unsafe, EBALDC may allow you to transfer to another unit—subject to availability. You must:

• Request the transfer (in writing or orally)

• Reasonably believe you are in danger of imminent harm

• Or, be a victim of sexual assault that occurred on the property in the last 90 days

All transfer requests and locations will be kept confidential.

You may view EBALDC’s Emergency Transfer Plan upon request.

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📝 Documenting Abuse

If documentation is needed, you may submit:

• A completed HUD-approved certification form (provided by EBALDC)

• Law enforcement or court records (e.g., police report, protective order)

• A signed statement from a victim services provider, attorney, or medical professional

• Any other documentation EBALDC agrees to accept

You’ll have at least 14 business days to provide documentation if requested.

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🔒 Confidentiality

All information you share will be kept confidential and will not be shared unless:

• You give written consent

• Required for eviction/legal action

• Required by law

We will never place this information in a shared database or disclose it without proper cause.

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⚠️ Evictions and Exceptions

You may still be evicted or lose assistance if:

• You commit serious or repeated lease violations unrelated to abuse

• You pose an immediate threat to others’ safety and no alternative exists

However, EBALDC cannot apply stricter rules to victims than to other residents.

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⚖️ Other Legal Protections

VAWA does not override other federal, state, or local laws that provide stronger protections.

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🧭 Filing a Complaint

If you believe your rights under VAWA have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

HUD San Francisco Regional Office
One Sansome Street, Suite 1200
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: 415.489.6400

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📄 More Information

• View the full VAWA rule: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-11-16/pdf/2016-25888.pdf

• To view HUD’s VAWA regulations or EBALDC’s Emergency Transfer Plan, please ask your Property Manager.

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📞 Contact for Questions

Section 504 Coordinator: Carolina Perez
East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation
1825 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 200
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510.287.5353