Press Releases

Wasserman Schultz Statement on Introduction of Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after she introduced H.R. 6211, the Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act with Rep. Lamar Smith (TX-21):

“When a woman is the victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, she needs the law to be on her side, and I am proud to introduce the Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act with my colleague, Congressman Lamar Smith, to help reduce homelessness and reform unfair laws that punish victims instead of supporting them. As a nation, we must continue to do everything we can to protect our sexual assault and domestic violence survivors, and ensure that our legal system is working for them, not against them. This bill will provide the necessary legal framework to combat housing discrimination against survivors and ensure they are protected under the Fair Housing Act. I thank Senator Shaheen who continues to be a leader in the Senate on sexual assault issues, and the broad coalition of organizations who support this critical legislation,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23).

“This bill ensures that domestic violence and sexual assault survivors have necessary access to housing, enabling them to feel safe as they build the next chapter in their lives,” said Rep. Lamar Smith (TX-21).

“Domestic violence and sexual assault survivors have so many obstacles to overcome – it’s unconscionable that women are removed from their homes and face repeated discrimination simply because of the crimes committed against them,” said Senator Shaheen, who authored and introduced the Fair Housing for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors Act of 2016 in the Senate. “Survivors of these crimes need our support. We need to establish policies that support survivors of domestic assault and sexual assault, and reduce homelessness caused by violence at home. Thank you Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Smith for introducing this important bill in the House – this legislation is a meaningful step to change the culture surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH).

The following organizations have endorsed the legislation:

American Civil Liberties Union

National Network to End Domestic Violence

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence

NAACP

American Association of University Women

Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence

Casa de Esperanza

Central Ohio Fair HousingAssociation

Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance

Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice

Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

Fair Housing Justice Center, Inc. 

Futures Without Violence

Greater Boston Legal Services

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

Housing Choice Partners

Jewish Federations of North America

Jewish Women International (JWI)

Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Inc.

National Alliance for Safe Housing 

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Fair Housing Alliance

National Housing Law Project

National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty

National Low Income Housing Coalition

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape

Public Justice Center

Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law  

YWCA USA

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View the bill text online.

Contact:

Wasserman Schultz: Geoff Burgan, Geoff.Burgan@mail.house.gov, 202.225.7931

Smith: Jennifer Pett, Jennifer.Pett@mail.house.gov, 202.225.4236

Shaheen: Haley Dorgan, Haley_Dorgan@shaheen.senate.gov, 202.224.8028