A new bipartisan proposal in Congress aims to tackle a difficult reality many survivors of domestic violence face after leaving abusive relationships: finding a safe place to live.
Lawmakers from both parties are introducing legislation that would strengthen housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking, helping ensure they are not evicted or denied housing simply because of what they have endured.
The proposal, known as the Fair Housing for Survivors Act, is being led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, along with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York. Supporters say the bill would update federal housing law to treat survivors as a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, offering new safeguards against discrimination.
Advocates say the issue is urgent. Millions of Americans experience intimate partner violence each year, and housing instability often follows. Studies show that nearly 40% of domestic violence survivors experience homelessness at some point, and the numbers are even higher among women already living on the streets. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 90% of homeless women report having experienced physical or sexual abusein their lifetime.
Supporters argue that without stable housing, it becomes far more difficult for survivors to rebuild their lives and escape cycles of abuse.
“We should be doing everything possible to help survivors heal,” Shaheen said in a statement announcing the legislation. She emphasized that safe and stable housing is one of the most critical steps toward recovery and independence.
Currently, federal protections exist through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which helps safeguard survivors who are seeking federally subsidized housing. But advocates say those protections don’t fully cover the private housing market, where survivors may still face discrimination, eviction, or denial of rental applications.
The new bill would expand those protections more broadly, preventing landlords from penalizing tenants because they are survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault.
Lawmakers backing the measure say it would also help survivors escape abusive environments without fear that reporting violence or leaving a partner could cost them their housing.
Rep. Malliotakis said the legislation is designed to ensure survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives and find stability after abuse.
“This legislation ensures survivors have the resources to move forward and live free from violence,” she said.
The effort also highlights a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation on an issue that lawmakers across the political spectrum say affects families nationwide.
This isn’t the first time the proposal has been introduced. Shaheen, Wasserman Schultz, and Malliotakis previously attempted to advance similar legislation in 2023, but it stalled in committee.
This time, the sponsors say they hope growing awareness around housing insecurity and domestic violence will help move the bill forward — offering survivors a stronger path toward safety and stability.
