The Housing Authority of the County of Merced. VAWA protections are not only available to women, but are available equally to all individuals regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This notice explains your rights under VAWA. A HUD-approved certification form is attached to this notice.
You can fill out this form to show that you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and that you wish to use your rights under VAWA.
If you otherwise qualify for assistance under Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Project Based Voucher and Low Income Public Housing, 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. If you are receiving assistance under Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Project Based Voucher and Low Income Public Housing, 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.
Also, if you or an affiliated individual of yours is or has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking by a member of your household or any guest, you may not be denied rental assistance or occupancy rights under Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Project Based Voucher and Low Income Public Housing, solely on the basis of criminal activity directly relating to that domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Affiliated individual means your spouse, parent, brother, sister, or child, or a person to whom you stand in the place of a parent or guardian for example, the affiliated individual is in your care, custody, or control ; or any individual, tenant, or lawful occupant living in your household. The Housing Authority may divide bifurcate your lease in order to evict the individual or terminate the assistance of the individual who has engaged in criminal activity the abuser or perpetrator directly relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
