Domestic Violence Information, Policy, and Resources
Domestic violence impacts the lives of many women, children, and families. Its consequences can be serious.
In this section you will find information about resources that can help if you are experiencing domestic violence. You will also read about federal and local laws regarding domestic violence, including the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which regulates housing policy.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that occurs between family members and/or intimate partners. The perpetrator uses violence against intimate partners to gain power and control over them. Intimate partners can include your current or former husband or wife or boyfriend or girlfriend, your child's mother or father, or a partner who you live with or used to live with. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse. It occurs in every country, in every neighborhood, among people of all races, cultures, religions, and income levels. It can happen to you no matter how old you are, whether you are male, female, or gender non-binary, and no matter what your sexual orientation is. Domestic violence is a crime.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 311 or 800-621-HOPE (4673).
Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
VAWA Occupancy Rights Notice
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These protections are available to all individuals regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ensures that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complies with VAWA regulations.
This notice explains your rights under VAWA. A HUD-approved certification form is attached to this notice. You can fill out this form to show that you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and that you wish to use your rights under VAWA.
Notice of Occupancy Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act English
VAWA Certification Form
VAWA protects NYCHA applicants, residents, and program participants in certain HUD programs from being evicted, denied housing assistance, or terminated from housing assistance based on acts of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against them. Despite the name of this law, VAWA protection is available to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
If you are seeking VAWA protections from your housing provider, your housing provider may give you a written request that asks you to submit documentation about the incident or incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
In response to this request, you or someone on your behalf may complete this optional form and submit it to your housing provider.
Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, and Alternate Documentation English
Resources for Public Housing Applicants: Need Based Preference
NYCHA's Emergency Transfer Program and Plan
NYCHA's Emergency Transfer Program and Plan allows tenants to apply for an emergency transfer if they qualify for one of four categories: victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking (as defined by the Violence Against Women and Children Act); intimidated witness; intimidated victim; and victim of a traumatic incident. The policy is based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which oversees public housing authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recent changes to the Violence Against Women and Children Act (VAWA) make it easier for NYCHA tenants to qualify for emergency transfers by eliminating the need for third-party documentation. The revised law also provides greater flexibility to the tenant in deciding where to live after requesting an emergency transfer.
Approved Emergency Transfers as of 06/30/2026 Any Borough
Any Borough
| 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms | 5 Rooms | 6 Rooms | 7 Rooms | 8 Rooms | 9+ Rooms | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 165 | 88 | 48 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 302 |
Bronx
| 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms | 5 Rooms | 6 Rooms | 7 Rooms | 8 Rooms | 9+ Rooms | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 142 | 56 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 227 |
Brooklyn
| 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms | 5 Rooms | 6 Rooms | 7 Rooms | 8 Rooms | 9+ Rooms | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 212 | 69 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 309 |
Manhattan
| 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms | 5 Rooms | 6 Rooms | 7 Rooms | 8 Rooms | 9+ Rooms | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 8 | 297 | 130 | 40 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 476 |
Queens
| 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms | 5 Rooms | 6 Rooms | 7 Rooms | 8 Rooms | 9+ Rooms | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 153 | 45 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 220 |
Staten Island
| 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms | 5 Rooms | 6 Rooms | 7 Rooms | 8 Rooms | 9+ Rooms | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 39 | 17 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 67 |
Total – All Boroughs
| 2 Rooms | 3 Rooms | 4 Rooms | 5 Rooms | 6 Rooms | 7 Rooms | 8 Rooms | 9+ Rooms | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 | 1,008 | 405 | 165 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1,601 |