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For thousands of service members and their families, military housing is decrepit, dangerous and inescapable, according to survey results released Wednesday by an armed services advisory organization.

The grievances paint a picture of slum-like conditions at bases across the United States, including black mold, lead, infestations of vermin, flooding, radon and faulty wiring.

Tenants say their complaints have been met with resistance, and in some cases threats from property management companies and commanders to silence them. Some families say their children have been sickened by toxic living conditions but feel there is no recourse; respondents suggested they cannot withhold rent payments as leverage for improvements.

The survey was conducted by the Military Family Advisory Network after a 2018 Reuters investigation sparked congressional inquiries. In the seven days it was available, the organization said the survey received a cascade of more than 16,000 respondents eager to express simmering frustrations.