The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shared a statement from Secretary E. Scott Turner prepared for a House Financial Services Committee oversight hearing about HUD and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Oversight hearings are part of how Congress reviews whether a federal agency is working as intended, how it uses funding, and whether its programs are serving the public.

For survivors of domestic violence, this kind of update matters because HUD programs can affect access to safe housing, emergency shelter, rental assistance, public housing, and protections related to eviction, discrimination, and housing instability.

Housing is often one of the biggest barriers to leaving abuse. If you are trying to escape violence, even small changes in housing policy, agency priorities, staffing, enforcement, or funding can affect:

• how quickly you can get help
• whether a shelter or housing program has space
• whether you can keep your housing after leaving an abusive partner
• whether your landlord, housing authority, or voucher program follows protections for survivors
• how easy it is to find a caseworker who understands domestic violence

This statement does not by itself mean that housing rules have changed. It is an oversight-related update, so the main takeaway is that HUD programs are under review and public attention. For survivors, that means it is wise to stay informed and keep copies of important documents.

This update may matter most if you are:

• living with an abusive partner and need emergency housing
• trying to leave and worried about where you will stay
• in public housing, Section 8, or another HUD-assisted program
• facing eviction because of abuse, property damage, police calls, or lease issues connected to violence
• a survivor with children, a disability, limited income, or immigration-related concerns
• working with a domestic violence advocate, legal aid attorney, or housing navigator

• Call emergency services if it is safe to do so.
• If calling is unsafe, try to text or use a trusted person to call for you.
• If you can, move to a safer room with an exit and avoid kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and areas with weapons.
• If leaving quickly, take only what you need to stay safe: ID, medications, keys, phone, charger, cash, and important documents.

• Contact a local domestic violence hotline or shelter and ask about emergency shelter, hotel placement, transitional housing, or relocation help.
• Ask whether they can help with a housing advocate, safety planning, or legal referral.
• If you are in a HUD-assisted home, ask about survivor protections and whether you can request an emergency transfer or lease-related accommodation.
• If you have a voucher or public housing, ask whether your housing authority has policies for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

• Save every notice, text, email, and letter.
• Write down dates, names, and what was said.
• Ask for all decisions in writing.
• If possible, contact legal aid before signing anything or moving out.
• Tell your advocate or lawyer if the abuse caused missed rent, property damage, noise complaints, or police involvement.

• Ask what documents are required and whether there are alternatives if you cannot safely get them.
• If you do not have access to your ID, lease, or income records, tell the advocate or caseworker.
• Ask whether your information can be kept confidential and whether mail can be sent to a safe address.

Depending on your situation, you may have rights under HUD-related rules or fair housing laws. These can include:

• protections against discrimination because you are a survivor
• the right to request reasonable accommodations if abuse affects a disability or safety need
• emergency transfer options in some housing programs
• protections related to lease termination or eviction when violence is involved
• confidentiality protections in some programs

Important: rules can vary by program, state, and local housing authority. A domestic violence advocate or legal aid attorney can help you understand what applies to you.

• You do not have to explain everything at once.
• It is okay to ask for help using simple words like: “I am not safe at home and need housing help.”
• If someone is monitoring your phone, email, or location, use a safer device or ask an advocate to contact you in a way that protects your privacy.
• If you are worried the abusive person may see this page, clear your browser history or use a private browsing window if that is safe for you.

This source is a statement connected to congressional oversight, not a final policy announcement. That means the immediate impact on survivors may be limited, but future funding decisions, program guidance, enforcement priorities, or administrative changes could affect housing access and survivor protections.

Because the published date is unclear and the statement itself does not describe a specific rule change, survivors should treat this as a reminder to stay connected to trusted housing and legal support rather than as proof that benefits or protections have changed.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org
• If you are in immediate danger: call emergency services
• Local domestic violence shelter or advocacy program: ask for emergency housing, safety planning, and legal referrals
• Legal aid: ask for help with eviction, housing discrimination, lease issues, or emergency transfer requests
• 211: in many areas, can connect you to housing, shelter, food, and crisis services

If you are trying to survive abuse and keep yourself or your children safe, housing stress can feel overwhelming. You deserve clear information, respectful help, and options that do not put you at greater risk. You do not have to solve everything today; one safe step is enough.

This HUD oversight statement does not appear to announce a direct change to survivor housing rights, but it is relevant because HUD programs shape access to safe housing and emergency assistance. Survivors should continue to seek local domestic violence advocacy, legal aid, and housing support, especially if they are facing eviction, homelessness, or unsafe living conditions.