Congressman Gonzalez Reintroduces VAWA Protections for Rural Women Act

WASHINGTON - Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) reintroduced the VAWA Protections for Rural Women Act, which will add the Rural Housing Voucher program to the list of covered housing programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

"Access to safe and affordable housing for domestic violence victims must extend to rural communities," Congressman Gonzalez said. "One of my top priorities has been to expand the success of the Violence Against Women Act and provide additional safe housing options for women, no matter where they live. I am proud to have included my legislation in the text of this major legislation to protect women."

This is a crucial step to protect victims of domestic violence from homelessness, regardless of whether they live in a metropolitan area or a rural town. An astounding 92 percent of homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual violence, while almost 50 percent of all homeless women report that domestic violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness. Additionally, upwards of 25 percent of women in rural areas live more than 40 miles from programs that can assist.

The Rural Housing Voucher Program has been included under VAWA providing individuals holding these vouchers additional security and housing. This legislation is designed to fill the gap in housing support for rural victims. All other rural housing programs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development rental assistance programs, and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program are currently included as covered housing programs under VAWA.

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.