Violence Against Women Act - Tips for Communicating with Victims

This comprehensive training course covers the requirements and implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties. The course provides essential guidance for owners and managers on protecting the rights of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in housing. Tips on communicating with the victims of domestic violence will also be provided.
Key topics covered include:

• Recent updates to VAWA regulations, including the 2022 reauthorization
• Applicability and scope of VAWA protections across different housing programs
• Required notifications and documentation procedures
• Lease bifurcation policies and procedures
• Emergency transfer requirements and plans
• Confidentiality requirements and best practices, including communicating with victims
• Proper handling of documentation and record-keeping
• Implementation of VAWA protections while maintaining property safety
• Communication guidelines when working with victims
• Recent enforcement actions and essential case studies

The training includes sample forms and documents, including:

• Notice of Occupancy Rights
• Emergency Transfer Request forms
• VAWA certification forms
• Staff instruction guidelines
• Model emergency transfer plans
• Sample property policies

Discussions of recent HUD enforcement actions, which highlight the importance of VAWA compliance and proper staff training, are particularly relevant. The course emphasizes that VAWA protections apply regardless of gender and covers the intersection of VAWA with fair housing law and reasonable accommodation requirements.

This training is essential for LIHTC property owners, managers, and staff to ensure compliance with VAWA requirements and protect victims' rights while maintaining safe housing communities.