Housing Bill Seeks to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced legislation that would provide legal protections that ensure survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault have access to safe housing. The “Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2016” (S. 3164) would create a nationwide standard that individuals cannot be evicted or otherwise penalized solely for being victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.

“Domestic violence and sexual assault survivors have so many obstacles to overcome – it’s unconscionable that women are removed from their homes and face repeated discrimination simply because of the heinous crimes committed against them,” said Senator Shaheen. “We need to continue working to change the culture surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault, and a big part of that effort is recognizing that women suffering from physical or sexual abuse are victims of crime and deserve our support. The Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2016 would ensure that we are no longer punishing victims for the crimes committed against them, and would go a long way toward helping survivors recover and rebuild.”

The bill has been endorsed by 32 domestic violence, fair housing, and legal service organizations including NLIHC, American Civil Liberties Union, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Read Senator Shaheen’s press release at: http://bit.ly/29USweN

Learn more about the bill at: http://bit.ly/29KgZ5I