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Proving that You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking The housing authority and your landlord can ask you to prove or "certify" that you are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. The housing authority and you're your landlord must give you at least 14 business days (i.e. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays do not count) to provide this proof. The housing authority and your landlord are free to extend the deadline. There are three ways you can prove that you are a victim: Complete the certification form given to you by the housing authority or your landlord. The form will ask for your name, the name of your abuser, the abuser's relationship to you, the date, time, and location of the incident of violence, and a description of the violence. Provide a statement from a victim service provider, attorney, or medical professional who has helped you address incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. The professional must state that he or she believes that the incidents of abuse are real. Both you and the professional must sign the statement, and both of you must state that you are signing "under penalty of perjury." • Provide a police or court record, such as a protective order. If you fail to provide one of these documents within the required time, the landlord may evict you, and the housing authority may terminate your rental assistance. Confidentiality The housing authority and your landlord must keep confidential any information you provide about the violence against you, unless: You give written permission to the housing authority or your landlord to release the information. Your landlord needs to use the information in an eviction proceeding, such as to evict your abuser. • A law requires the housing authority or your landlord to release the information. If release of the information would put your safety at risk, you should inform the housing authority and your landlord. VAWA and Other Laws VAWA does not limit the housing authority's or your landlord's duty to honor court orders about access to or control of the property. This includes orders issued to protect a victim and orders dividing property among household members incases where a family breaks up. VAWA does not replace any federal, state, or local law that provides greater protection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. o~ro2~12 Page 16-33