In this issue: NNJLS Offers Virtual "Know Your Rights" Seminars; Upcoming Tenant's Rights During COVID-19 Webinar; Information on Anti-Discrimination Laws for Fair Housing Month; Information on SASPA for Sexual Assault Awareness Month; and more.

NNJLS Has Gone Virtual!

April is Fair Housing Month

Authored by Larry Sindoni, Esq. - Managing Attorney, NNJLS Housing Unit

Under this Act, it is unlawful to discriminate against someone by denying or making housing unavailable because of their race, skin color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability.

State Anti-Discrimination Law

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“LAD”), N.J.S.A. 10:5-1, also prohibits housing discrimination and provides protections to other groups that are not covered by the Federal Fair Housing Act. Under LAD, it is unlawful to discriminate against someone in connection with housing, based on race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, breastfeeding, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and certain health conditions, familial status, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status and military service.

You have a right to fair housing.  If you reside in Bergen, Hudson, or Passaic County and feel that you have been the victim of housing discrimination, please contact NNJLS at (201) 792-6363 or NNJLS@lsnj.org. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Authored by Angela Rodriguez, Esq. - Managing Attorney, NNJLS Family Law Unit

To help survivors of sexual assault, on May 7, 2016, the Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act (SASPA) became effective in New Jersey.  SASPA provides that any person alleging to be a victim of nonconsensual sexual contact, sexual penetration, or lewdness, or any attempt at such conduct, and is not eligible for a restraining order under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act can apply to the Superior Court of New Jersey for a protective order. A temporary protective order is issued and a hearing for a final protective order is held within 10 days of the issuance of the temporary order.

SASPA makes clear that a criminal complaint does not have to be filed in order to apply for a protective order.  It also states that the filing of a protective order does not bar the survivor from filing a criminal complaint.  The survivor’s home address is not stated in the protective order.  In addition, among other factors and evidence that cannot be used against the survivor when determining if a final protective order will be issued, the court cannot consider the survivor’s failure to report to law enforcement; the survivor’s alleged intoxication; the survivor’s previous sexual conduct or manner of dress at the time of the incident.

SASPA states who can apply for the protective order as well as the exceptions/proofs to be considered.  Northeast New Jersey Legal Services can help with advising on how to apply for a protective order under SASPA, if the law applies to you, as well as evaluate your particular case for representation.  In addition, NNJLS has provided a link to the application for a SASPA protective order and the instructions for online filing in light of court closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic (please click on button below). 

No survivor should have to navigate the legal system without guidance.  NNJLS is here to help: (201) 792-6363 or NNJLS@lsnj.org.

This project was supported by Grant No. 2016-WL-AX-0033 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice.  The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this program are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.

NNJLS Pro Bono:

Free Virtual CLEs

NNJLS will be offering free virtual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses over the next few months.  We invite you to join us and spread the word!  Our first CLE will be on Immigration: Basic Public Charge Training (1 CLE).  The CLE link, form, and information will follow after registration.  The Basic Public Charge CLE is on Thursday, May 7 from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. 

For questions, please contact Cindy Lou Cuesta at ccuesta@lsnj.org.

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