With the goal of helping survivors of domestic violence secure safe housing options, U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) introduced the bipartisan Help End Abusive Living Situations (HEALS) Act.
“Survivors of intimate partner violence, stalking, and sexual assault often face volatile situations where they find themselves without a stable or safe place to live,” Rep. Wagner said on Oct. 28. “Without safe housing options, victims can fall back into the cycle of violence they are desperately trying to escape.”
Rep. Wagner and HEALS Act bill sponsor Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) are both members of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. Their legislation, H.R. 5785, would require the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to prioritize funding for transitional housing, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, according to a summary of the bill.
“This legislation will help provide a vital lifeline to victims as they fight for independence and safety,” Wagner said.
H.R. 5785 would also establish standards in evaluating the resources available to survivors and require HUD to research and identify new housing options suitable for domestic violence survivors.
“Housing is safety for survivors. It is essential that our government designate resources to provide survivor-centered housing so that all survivors can find safety when fleeing danger,” said Monica McLaughlin, Director of Public Policy at the National Network to End Domestic Violence.