Rental Assistance and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are currently in SCCHA’s rental assistance programs. These protections are available equally to everyone, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Protection for Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Participants

If you or an affiliated individual (see below for definition) otherwise qualify for assistance under SCCHA’s housing voucher programs, 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. You still need to go through the same application process as everyone else. Protection does not give you faster access to housing or mean you will automatically be given a voucher because you’re a victim of domestic violence.

What Is An Affiliated Individual?

An affiliated individual can be your spouse, parent, sibling, 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.

Do You Qualify for VAWA Protections, Including Emergency Transfer?

Current participants: Please see Notice of Occupancy Rights + Certification form to learn more about the protection provided to victims and how to request them.

Seeking help?

If you are or have been a victim of stalking, sexual assault, or an abusive relationship and are seeking help, you may contact one of the organizations listed below:

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Visit Website

Text "START" to 88788
24/7 Hotline: (800) 799-7233
For Persons With Hearing Impairments
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
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234 E. Gish Road- Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95112

Office: (408) 501-7550
24/7 Hotline: (408) 279-2962
Community Solutions
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9015 Murray Avenue, #100
Gilroy, CA 95020

Office: (408) 842-7138
24/7 Hotline: (800) 363-7238
Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley
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950 West Julian Street
San Jose, CA 95126

Office: (408) 292-9353
YCWA Silicon Valley
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375 South 3rd Street
San Jose, CA 95112

Office: (408) 295-4011
24/7 Hotline: (800) 572-2782
Asian Women’s Home
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2400 Moorpark Ave., Suite 300
San Jose, CA 95128

24/7 Hotline: (408) 975-2739