No one should be penalized for fleeing domestic violence, but that is exactly what happened to disabled US Marine Veteran Mr. Hoffmann. He was finally ready to get help and escape his abuser, who lived in the same apartment complex, telling his landlord he would be leaving and getting permission from the property management. It should have ended there. He had done all the “right” things, including securing a protective order against his assailant and getting permission from the property management team. Instead, when Mr. Hoffmann returned to the apartment complex months later looking to rent a new place to call home, he was shocked to discover that the management company had pursued an eviction against him—and won. Mr. Hoffmann now had an eviction on his record and over $10,000 worth of debt owed.

This was a clear injustice and direct affront to Mr. Hoffmann’s civil rights, enshrined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and Connecticut state law.

Mr. Hoffmann found us through his VA clinician. With HUD’s support staff attorney Tucker McWeeney brought the issue straight to the CHRO (Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities), where he studiously outlined the clear facts of the case on his client, Mr. Hoffmann’s, behalf. By the end of the hearing, not only were we able to successfully remove the debt that had been levied against this veteran we were also successful in securing thousands of dollars in damages against the property management company. Mr. Hoffmann now has the funds he needs to move from a shelter and into stable, permanent housing. It also afforded him the dignity of having his claim heard and believed—something we all have the right to.

Unfortunately, the legal remedy for these cases can be almost impossible for people like Mr. Hoffmann who have limited income and may still be struggling with the trauma of their experience. In fact, this this was the first fair housing complaint filed with CHRO with VAWA as sole protected class and sole theory of exposure. Without an attorney, how many other people in similar situations just give up? That is why we are grateful Mr. Hoffmann accepted our help and was willing to fight.