Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Issues Response to R. Kelly Verdict

Cleveland, OH (September 27, 2021) - Today, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) issued the following response to a jury finding recording artist, R. Kelly guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking. Kelly could face decades in prison.

"Today's verdict rightfully acknowledges the experiences of dozens of women abused by Kelly and sends a clear message that sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse cannot and will not be tolerated even years after the event", said Sondra Miller, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center President and CEO.

"The stories of this case sadly revealed that for African American women, sexual assault, violence, and systemic racism are incredibly pervasive issues that routinely go unreported and under-addressed. We know that for *every 15 Black women who are raped, only one reports her assault and disturbingly one in four black girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18. This is further exacerbated when acknowledging the unique cultural nuances of young girls in marginalized communities.

Today is a big win and significant step toward holding those who commit sexual violence accountable, regardless of their position in the community, their power, their fame or their wealth. It is my hope that a renewed sense of justice for all survivors is restored especially for women of color who have bravely come forward and faced the shame, blame and harassment all too commonly faced by survivors."

If a survivor wants to seek help, we're here for them. Text, call or chat to our Crisis and Support Hotline at 216-619-6192, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit our website at www.clevelandrapecrisis.org to learn more about our services or request an appointment.

American Psychology Association, (February 2020), In the Public Interest*

About Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

The mission of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center is to support survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promote healing and prevention, and advocate for social change. In 2020, the Center provided counseling, advocacy and crisis intervention services to 10,000 rape and sexual abuse survivors and reached thousands more through its prevention, education and training programs in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake counties.