NFHTA Forum | Violence Against Women Act, Part 1: Understanding Survivors' Experiences

In March 2022, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 ("VAWA 2022") was signed into law, which amended and strengthened VAWA's housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. VAWA 2022 further gave HUD new enforcement authority, beginning October 1, 2022. This forum series will help participants understand key information related to implementing the housing provisions of the VAWA.

This multi-forum series will enrich attendees' understandings related to the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; provide an overview of VAWA 2022's housing provisions that grants HUD new enforcement authority; and highlight common housing scenarios that survivors experience.

This forum will help participants understand domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking from the diverse perspectives of survivors. Survivors' experiences with and responses to violence are informed by their backgrounds and unique circumstances. Using first-person narratives, an intersectional lens, and current research on trauma and mental health, the forum will establish a foundation upon which participants can build their own knowledge and cultural competencies when working with survivors. It will further offer resources and best practices. Ultimately, forum attendees will be better informed and equipped to conduct their work with survivors and to share knowledge and resources with others in their organizations and agencies.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the basic dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking using an intersectional lens
• Understand the unique needs of those experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and how to support survivors
• Develop working knowledge of survivors' housing rights under VAWA and related laws
• Recognize potential VAWA issues in common housing scenarios so as to better serve survivors and provide assistance
• Preview HUD's new enforcement authorities under VAWA

Audience

This forum is targeted to HUD-funded fair housing organizations (i.e., FHIP and FHAP professionals), fair housing partners (e.g., legal service providers and civil rights advocates), and others in housing, advocacy, survivor services, mental health services, and law enforcement.

About the Forums

Forums are online conversations designed to allow multi-directional interactions between HUD and its FHIP and FHAP partners around emerging fair housing issues regarding processing complaints, conducting investigations, and managing agencies. Topics will evolve based on partner needs and interests.

Learn More About the National Fair Housing Forums