Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Statement

Attachment C 

Jefferson County Housing Authority

Annual Agency Plan
Fiscal Year 01/01/2022 - 12/31/2022

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

It is the goal of the Jefferson County Housing Authority (JCHA) that no individual covered under the VAWA that completes the JCHA certification to the alleged abuse and complies with the conditions of the certification will be evicted from public housing or have their Section 8 or Shelter Plus care assistance terminated.

The JCHA would only take an action to have the person committing the violence removed from the dwelling lease and/or voucher for the protection of the family. JCHA has certification form for victims to certify that the alleged incident(s) of abuse are bona fide and agrees to have the alleged abuser removed from the dwelling lease and/or the voucher. The JCHA will also allow the victim and remaining family members to relocate for safety reasons to another public housing development managed by the JCHA and/or issue the participating family a voucher, which will allow for relocation.

The VAWA Act allows JCHA to require additional information in addition to the certification and the attachment details what additional information the JCHA is requesting and that the information is in accordance with the VAWA Act.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013: Implementation in HUD Housing Programs, Final Rule, was published in the Federal Register on November 16, 2016, and PIH Notice 2017-8, Subject: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 Guidance, issued May 19, 2017.   As a result of these issuances JCHA has provided each current resident and participant the new HUD prescribed Notice of Occupancy Rights (HUD 5380) and Certification form (HUD 5382).

The orientation for new residents and participants includes information on their rights and responsibilities under the Violence Against Women Act, using the above-referenced forms.  

The above-referenced forms are also being provided to applicants at the time the applicant is denied assistance or admission, and to current residents/participants with any JCHA notification of eviction or termination of assistance

The Admissions & Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), the Section 8 Administrative Plan and the Residential Dwelling Lease have been revised to include screening and termination language related to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.

The JCHA would make appropriate referrals for families who report having domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.  The local domestic violence agencies are the YWCA of Central Alabama, First Light, Interfaith Hospitality House, and The Safehouse of Shelby County. Where necessary, victims would be referred to the appropriate local police departments and/or the Jefferson County Sheriff Department.

The Housing Authority has also adopted a VAWA Emergency Transfer Policy.