Jane Doe Inc. and Member Organization Panelists Testify
at Public Hearing Regarding Housing Discrimination Bills

Written by Rebecca Ridgeway, JDI Intern
June 11, 2007

In an effort to stop housing discrimination against survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or stalking, panelists from several organizations, including Jane Doe Inc., testified in favor of bills S755 and H1241 at a public hearing and executive session held by the Committee on Housing on June 5, 2007.

Mary Gianakis, JDI Board Member and Executive Director of Framingham-based Voices Against Violence, presented testimony on behalf of the Coalition. She referenced a 2003 study finding that 44% of cities identify domestic violence as the primary cause of homelessness, and 92% of homeless women are survivors of severe sexual and domestic violence. These unfortunate statistics reflect the consequences of housing discrimination and the ongoing need for preventative legislation addressing such issues. Under the proposed legislation, landlords will be prohibited from refusing to enter into a rental agreement and terminating a tenancy based on a tenant’s status as a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or stalking. The bills would also allow a survivor to break a lease prematurely after providing proof of violence (i.e. a restraining order, etc.), making it possible for survivors to leave an abusive relationship without fear of jeopardizing, in most cases, an already fragile financial record.

Executive Director of Homes for Families, Stephanie Brown made the point that “survivors of sexual and domestic violence are [often] forced to choose between remaining in an abusive relationship and homelessness.” These bills would enable survivors to forego this unacceptable Catch-22 and instead choose safety.

Nancy Ryan, President of the Massachusetts American Civil Liberties Union, argued that certain landlords discriminate and consequently evict on the basis of gender stereotypes, including the stereotypes that battered women are generally “untrustworthy” and actually “enjoy the abuse” they receive. In other words, housing discrimination often stems from gender discrimination, leaving victims, especially those with children, fearful of eviction and, therefore, reluctant to seek help from police.

Laurie Holmes, Executive Director of Chelsea-based HarborCOV, counseled legislators to send a strong message to survivors and landlords that the Commonwealth will support survivors’ efforts to reach safety from sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.

A handful of landlords testified in opposition to the bill, articulating a concern for the safety of themselves, their other tenants, and their property. While Jane Doe Inc. acknowledges these concerns, arguments such as suggesting that the bill unfairly grants privileges to victims underscore a lack of understanding for the widespread discrimination they face. The claim that landlords are not well-equipped to deal with and are not responsible for victims’ issues points to the need for training, outreach and a coordinated community response rather than being an acceptable excuse to discriminate against victims seeking housing.

JDI and its member organizations and allies reminded the panel of legislators and hearing participants that the message that abuse is truly everyone’s issue applies to landlords as well. Turning a blind eye to victims and the issues they face only serves to perpetuate the violence, jeopardize victims safety and leave offenders unaccountable for their actions.

Jane Doe Inc. encourages those who feel strongly about the issue of housing discrimination and the numerous other issues survivors face to actively voice their opinions. Please contact JDI if you would like to learn more about this legislation and how you can help.