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VAWA

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VAWA

What Is VAWA?
VAWA stands for the Violence Against Women Act, a federal law first passed in 1994 and reauthorized multiple times since. It provides legal protections and support for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, regardless of gender.

Who Does VAWA Protect?
VAWA protections apply to anyone who is a victim of:

  • Domestic violence
  • Dating violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Stalking

VAWA protections cover:

  • Women and men
  • LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Immigrant spouses, children, or parents abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Tenants in federally subsidized housing
  • Students at federally funded colleges and universities

How Does VAWA Protect People?

1. Immigration Protection (VAWA Self-Petitioning)
Immigrant victims can apply for legal status independently of their abuser if they are:

  • Spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
  • Parent of an abused child by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Parent abused by a U.S. citizen son or daughter

This allows eligible immigrants to file for a green card confidentially, without the abuser’s knowledge or involvement.

2. Housing Protection (VAWA Housing Protections)
VAWA protects survivors living in federally assisted housing, including:

  • Public Housing
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Project-Based Section 8
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units
  • USDA Rural Development housing

Landlords and housing authorities cannot evict or deny housing based on domestic violence, and survivors have the right to:

  • Request emergency transfers
  • Change locks
  • Provide documentation (such as police reports, court orders, or statements from service providers) if needed

3. Campus Safety (VAWA Amendments to Clery Act and Title IX)
Colleges and universities receiving federal funding must:

  • Maintain clear policies on dating violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking
  • Provide survivors with support and accommodations
  • Implement fair disciplinary procedures
  • Disclose campus crime statistics and prevention programs

How to File a VAWA Self-Petition (Immigration)
Immigrant survivors can file a self-petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Steps:

  1. Complete USCIS Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant)
    Website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-360
  2. Gather supporting documents:
    • Proof of relationship to the abuser
    • Proof of abuse (police reports, protection orders, affidavits, etc.)
    • Proof of residence with the abuser
    • Evidence of good moral character
  3. Mail to the appropriate USCIS service center (see Form I-360 instructions)
  4. If eligible, apply for a work permit (Form I-765) and adjustment of status (Form I-485)

VAWA applications are confidential—the abuser will not be notified.

How to File a VAWA Housing Complaint
If you are denied housing or evicted unfairly due to domestic violence:

  1. Notify your Public Housing Authority (PHA) or property manager that you are exercising your rights under VAWA.
  2. You may need to provide documentation, such as:
    • Court-issued protection order
    • Police report
    • Statement from a victim service provider or medical professional

If your rights are violated, file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity:

Key Resources for VAWA Help

ServiceContact Info
National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-7233 / https://www.thehotline.org
USCIS VAWA Hotline1-800-375-5283
Legal Aid / Immigration AttorneyContact local nonprofit legal organizations
HUD VAWA Resource Pagehttps://www.hud.gov/vawa