When Domestic Violence Victims Face Eviction for Calling the Cops
Imagine you’re a woman trying to extricate yourself from an abusive relationship, and your ex won’t leave you alone. The cops have been called to your apartment on more than one occasion. One night, he breaks into your apartment, smashing a window and causing some property damage. Another night, an ambulance screams up your street to fetch you after neighbors find you bloodied in the hallway.
Then you find out you’re being evicted for causing too much trouble.
While it sounds outrageous, it’s not uncommon for survivors of domestic violence to lose their housing due to crimes committed against them. A new bill, introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), is trying to put an end to that.
The proposed legislation would establish a nationwide standard that victims of domestic violence and sexual assault can’t be evicted or denied access to housing solely for being victims of those crimes.
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