Housing Laws

To have the abuser removed from your home, you may provide certain types of proof that the abuse happened. According to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), this proof can be any of the following:

1. a certification form from the government agency running the housing program you are covered by that says all of the following:
   
   1. that you or a member of your household is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking;
   2. that this abuse meets the requirements of VAWA that qualify you or your household member for protection; and
   3. the name of the person who committed the abuse, if you know their name and it is safe for you to give it;
2. a document that:
   
   1. is signed by you as well as a qualified third party from whom you got help related to the domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking:
      
      1. an employee agent, or volunteer of a victim service provider;
      2. an attorney;
      3. a medical professional; or
      4. a mental health professional; and
   2. says under oath that the professional from the list above who signed the form believes that the abuse is the reason you need the protection of this law;
3. an official record of a local, state, federal, tribal, or territorial:
   
   1. law enforcement agency;
   2. court; or
   3. administrative agency; or
4.  other evidence that you can give regarding the abuse and your need for protection.¹ 

Note: The way VAWA defines this is different than how a qualified third party works under Nebraska law. See How does Nebraska law define a qualified third party? for more information.

¹ 34 U.S.C. 12491(c)(3); see 34 U.S.C. 12491(a)(2)-(3) for more details about the government agencies and housing programs included.