VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA)
VAWA Occupancy Rights Notice
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. VAWA protections ensures they are not denied housing, evicted, or have assistance terminated based on these experiences or related circumstances. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the Federal agency that oversees that the Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) is in compliance with VAWA. (HUD-5380)
Protections of Tenants
If you are receiving assistance under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program (HCV), you may not be denied assistance, terminated from participation, or be evicted from your rental housing because you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking, as defined by HUD.
Moving to Another Unit
Upon your request, AMHA may permit you to move to another unit and maintain your assistance. In order to approve a request, AMHA may ask you to provide documentation that you are requesting to move because of an incident of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. You will be required to certify that you meet the criteria for an emergency transfer under VAWA:
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You are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
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You expressly request the emergency transfer
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You reasonably believe you are threatened with imminent harm from further violence if you remain in the current unit OR
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You are a victim of sexual assault, and the assault occurs on the premises during the 90-calendar-day period before you request a transfer
Contact your AMHA caseworker who will help you complete the following forms:
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HUD-5380 – Notice of Occupancy Rights Under VAWA
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HUD-5381 – Emergency Transfer Plan
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HUD-5382 – VAWA Certification
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HUD-5383 – Emergency Transfer Request
Victim Support
Questions about VAWA please call AMHA at 419-228-6065.
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Here are some community partners who may be able to assist: ​
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Crossroads Crisis Center​
24/7 Hotline: 419-228-4357
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Crime Victim Services​
24/7 Crisis Line: 877.867.7273
Resources for Services
​National Dating Abuse Helpline​
866-331-9474
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National Sexual Assault Hotline​
800-656-4673
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National Human Trafficking Resources Center/Polaris Project​
888-373-7888
Text: HELP to BeFree (233733)
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National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health​
312-726-7020 ext.2011
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Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN)​
202-559-5366
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