After Urging from Sens. Franken, Brown, and Warren, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Releases New Guidance to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Sen. Al Franken applauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for releasing federal guidance on how local governments can make sure that their nuisance ordinances don’t endanger survivors of domestic violence and other victims of crime.
Local nuisance ordinances are aimed at combating crime and ensuring public safety, but unfortunately, they can also have the unintended consequence of pressuring victims of crime—including survivors of domestic violence—to stay silent instead of calling for emergency assistance after an incident has occurred.
Today’s action by HUD came on the heels of pressure from Sens. Franken, Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)-along with over 20 of their colleagues-who urged action to address barriers to safe housing for victims and their children. Sen. Franken praised the housing agency for heeding their call and for issuing the new guidance to stop local nuisance ordinances from unintentionally punishing victims.
“You shouldn’t have to choose between safety from an abuser and a roof over your head,” said Sen. Franken. “This guidance from HUD is important for families in Minnesota and across our nation because it will help ensure that no one is forced to make that choice. Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act, and I want to thank HUD for continuing to address ongoing barriers to safe housing for women and their children.”
Sen. Franken has long been working to keep Minnesotans-and people across our country-safe from domestic and sexual violence. He is a strong supporter of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which provides protections for women who are the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, who are at risk of being victimized. He successfully fought for two important provisions in the Senate’s VAWA authorization bill three years ago. His Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence Act made it unlawful to evict a woman from federally supported housing just because she is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. His Survivors of Sexual Assault Act ensures that survivors of sexual assault are never forced to pay for their own rape kits.
Source: Sen. Al Franken
