Program Focused on Combatting Sexual Harassment in Housing and Eliminating Environmental Hazards in HUD-Assisted Housing

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Inspector General Rae Oliver Davis hosted a summit today focused on promoting the health, safety, and civil rights of tenants living in HUD-assisted housing. The program focused on combatting sexual misconduct and eliminating environmental hazards in HUD-assisted housing.

The summit, which took place at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark, was part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s and Inspector General’s complementary initiatives to promote safe housing strategies related to environmental justice, and how to recognize and report sexual harassment and misconduct in housing.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home, free from exposure to environmental hazards, and without being subjected to sexual harassment and assault by those with control over their housing. We convened this summit today to raise awareness that all New Jerseyans have protections under federal law and that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with our partners at HUD OIG, will continue to work every day to eradicate sexual harassment and environmental injustices in housing throughout the state.”

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger

“Through summits like the one we cohosted today with U.S. Attorney Sellinger, HUD OIG remains focused on raising awareness that HUD tenants and applicants seeking housing have a right to housing that is environmentally safe and and free from sexual misconduct,” Inspector General Oliver Davis said. “We remain committed to working closely with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively investigate violations of federal law in these areas and pursue bad actors who victimize vulnerable people receiving HUD assistance.”

Attendees included representatives from organizations who routinely work with vulnerable populations most likely to be impacted by environmental injustices, such as lead-based paint in their homes, or subjected to sexual harassment in housing by their landlords, property managers, or others with control over housing. The organizations represented included legal services offices, fair housing organizations, civil rights groups, shelters, and social service organizations.

If you or someone you know has information about environmental hazards and unsafe conditions in HUD-assisted housing or has been a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation – even if the events occurred years ago – report it to the HUD Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-347-3735 or visit the website at www.hudoig.gov/hotline.  You may also file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint.

Individuals who believe they have been victims of environmental injustices, sexual harassment in housing, or discrimination may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 1-855-281-3339 or visit the website at www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement.