To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development joined four federal agencies—the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—to issue an interagency statement on VAWA’s housing provisions.
VAWA is a landmark piece of legislation that transformed the United States’ response to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The statement released today upholds the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring that survivors do not lose their housing or housing assistance, experience housing instability, or become at risk of homelessness because of the violence they have experienced.
President Biden’s commitment to preventing and addressing gender-based violence has remained a cornerstone of his career—from his championing of VAWA's initial passage in 1994 to actions taken under his leadership during the Biden-Harris Administration. These actions have been outlined in a White House fact sheet released earlier today.
"This action today is a demonstration of the Biden Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting and supporting survivors," said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. "HUD knows that access to housing is critical to keeping survivors safe and helping them on their path to recovery."
"At USDA, we know that affordable housing is a key foundation to building healthy and prosperous lives in rural America," said United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Today, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring survivors continue to have access to safe and affordable places they can call home."
"Concern about keeping a roof over one’s head should never interfere with a person’s ability to seek safety from domestic or dating violence," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "The Justice Department is committed to enforcing VAWA’s essential protections for survivors."
"The Violence Against Women Act’s housing protections are critical to ensuring the safety and security of Americans," said Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. "The Treasury Department remains committed to upholding these protections in law."
"Safe, affordable, and stable housing is critical for Veterans who have experienced gender-based violence," said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. "This anniversary underscores VA’s commitment to supporting Veterans who have survived domestic violence or other forms of gender-based violence."
The statement outlines VAWA's housing programs as well as potential scenarios highlighting the need for its protections, survivor rights, federal agency obligations for implementation, and enforcement authorities.
Through coordinated efforts by these agencies, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue strengthening enforcement so every survivor can access necessary support and resources.
