Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

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.

If you are a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program applicant, you cannot be denied admission or denied assistance because you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined by HUD.

Upon your request, CMHA may permit you to move to another unit and maintain your assistance. In order to approve a request, CMHA 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:

• You are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking
• You expressly request the emergency transfer
• You reasonably believe you are threatened with imminent harm from further violence if you remain in the current unit OR
• 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

Victim Support

Questions about VAWA can be emailed directly to the VAWA Coordination Team (vcdocs@cmhanet.com) or call CMHA at 614-421-6000.

The VAWA Coordination Team assists residents receiving subsidy from CMHA who are victims of non-random crimes (i.e. domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking). In many cases, instances of community violence may not qualify for VAWA Protections.