Affordable housing managers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their tenants. One of the most sensitive and challenging issues they may encounter is domestic violence complaints. Domestic violence can affect individuals from all walks of life, including those living in affordable housing communities.

It is crucial for the affordable housing manager to understand how to deal with the domestic violence complaints to comply with the fair housing laws and VAWA.

In this blog, we will discuss how affordable housing managers can effectively handle domestic violence complaints, providing support and resources to those in need while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all residents.

Understanding Domestic Violence

Before delving into the steps for dealing with domestic violence complaints, it’s essential to understand what domestic violence is. Domestic violence encompasses a range of abusive behaviors, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse, inflicted by one person upon another within a domestic setting. Victims of domestic violence can be of any gender, age, or socioeconomic background. It also affects the neighboring homes, communities, and society as a whole. It is a serious problem that requires urgent attention.

Understanding VAWA Compliance for Property Managers

Property managers who oversee affordable housing properties should be well-informed about the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to ensure they are in compliance with the law and can provide the necessary support and protections to residents who may be victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

It is a federal law in the United States that was originally passed in 1994 and has been reauthorized several times since then. VAWA was designed to address and combat various forms of violence, primarily focused on domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. While the law is named “Violence Against Women Act,” it is not limited to addressing violence against women; it provides protections and support to all victims, regardless of gender.

Steps to Handle Domestic Violence Complaints

So, let’s understand the steps that you can take to handle domestic violence complaints as an affordable housing manager and ensure legal compliance.

1. Establish a Safe Reporting Mechanism:

Create a confidential and secure process for residents to report domestic violence incidents. Ensure that tenants know how to reach out for help and that their privacy will be respected. Moreover, even if they cannot ask for help directly, their neighbors, other family members, and friends can notify the property manager who manages the property the victim lives in. Maintaining anonymity can be critical for the safety of victims.

2. Train Staff:

Train your staff, including maintenance personnel and front-office staff, to recognize the signs of domestic violence and respond appropriately. They should know how to provide information on available resources without judgment.

So, how the people in the community and the staff will be able to recognize the signs of domestic abuse? They can look for physical signs like:

• Bruises, cuts, unexplained injuries
• Damaged hair
• Isolated from friends and family
• Loss of financial control

Domestic violence expert teaches how to spot warning signs of abuse

Also, you should train the staff to recognize the signs of the help like this:

3. Listen and Support:

When a domestic violence complaint is made, listen attentively and provide emotional support. Assure the victim that their safety is a priority and that you are there to help. Make it clear that you are not a counselor but are available to connect them with resources.

4. Maintain Confidentiality:

Respect the confidentiality of the situation. Do not disclose any information about the complaint without the victim’s consent. Confidentiality is vital in protecting the victim from potential harm or escalating the situation.

5. Connect with Local Resources:

Establish partnerships with local domestic violence shelters, organizations, and law enforcement agencies. These partnerships can provide a network of support for victims, including emergency housing, legal assistance, and counseling services for domestic violence victims.

6. Assess the Risk:

Evaluate the level of risk involved in the situation. If there is an immediate danger to the victim or others, you should contact law enforcement for assistance. Always prioritize the safety of the victim, children, and other people involved.

7. File and document the Complaint:

Keep detailed records of the complaint, any actions taken, and the outcome. And you can file your complaint to the authorities. This documentation is essential for future reference and can be crucial in legal proceedings if necessary.

8. Implement Safety Measures:

Work with the victim to develop a safety plan, which may include changing locks, providing temporary housing, or obtaining restraining orders. Collaborate with local law enforcement when needed.

9. Educate Residents:

As a property manager, you should conduct awareness campaigns and workshops on domestic violence prevention for all residents. So that everyone can understand what are the rights given by the law to the domestic violence survivors. Encourage open dialogue and create a culture of support within the community.

10. Monitor and Follow-Up:

Regularly check in with the victim to ensure their safety and well-being. Offer ongoing support and resources as needed.

Conclusion

Dealing with domestic violence complaints as an affordable housing manager is a challenging but essential responsibility. By establishing a safe reporting mechanism, training staff, and connecting with local resources, you can provide the necessary support to victims while maintaining a safe living environment for all residents.

Remember that empathy, confidentiality, and a commitment to safety are key principles in handling domestic violence complaints effectively. By taking these steps, you can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence in your affordable housing community. If you want to learn from the experts in the industry, then sign up for the webinar training on our website.