Sexual violence survivors deserve better from the Cleveland police department (Cleveland.com)
October 4, 2019
By Sondra Miller, President & CEO, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Guest Columnist, cleveland.com CLEVELAND — I believe you. These three simple words can transform the experiences of a rape survivor. I believe you. This simple statement has the ability to negate the shame and self-doubt that far too many survivors face when reporting their...continue
Red Zone: First weeks of college most dangerous for sexual assault (Fox 8)
September 6, 2019
CLEVELAND — With students back on college campuses, experts say there’s more to worry about than new classes. The first six weeks of the school year are known as the “red zone” because of a spike in reports of sexual assault during the period. “The statistics on undergraduate sexual assault are pretty staggering,” said Sarah...continue
More than 6,000 Cleveland police reports getting another look
March 11 2019
CLEVELAND — Authorities began looking at back-logged rape kits in Cuyahoga County. Some of the police reports connected to those cases have raised red flags, so now, more than 6,000 victim statements are receiving another look. The language officers use to describe their interactions could unknowingly influence an investigation’s outcome. “Sometimes they’re just using language...continue
Teresa Stafford Speaks about Human Trafficking Awareness Month (WKYC)
January 23, 2019
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center’s Chief Advocacy Teresa Stafford joins WKYC to speak about Human Trafficking Awareness Month. (Story by WKYC) “We could not let the month of January go by without letting you know that this is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. To fill us in on the most important things you need to know about...continue
Black women raped at higher rates and report less than white counterparts (News 5 Cleveland)
January 14, 2019
CLEVELAND — Survivor after survivor claim they were sexually assaulted by R&B Singer R Kelly, many of them as teenagers, in the Lifetime documentary ‘Surviving R Kelly’. “Maybe they stayed in silence because they didn’t feel like they had a way out,” said Teresa Stafford of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center. Stafford watched the...continue
Proposed legislation eliminates statute of limitations on rape, sexual assault cases (Fox 8)
November 29, 2018
“There is support from the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Wednesday night after a state senator proposed a bill that would eliminate Ohio’s Statute of Limitations on rape and sexual assault cases. “‘For the decade I’ve been working here we have been trying to remove the state of limitations,’ said Sondra Miller, President & CEO of...continue
Rape Crisis Center expands across Northeast Ohio (News 5)
October 30, 2018
“The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center will expand its services for survivors of rape and sexual abuse after receiving $4.6 million in funding through the Attorney General’s Office. Funding came from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) program. “Sarah Trimble with the center said they are experiencing an all-time high in calls. In the last two...continue
Rape Crisis Center expanding, hiring in Northeast Ohio to meet greater need (The Plain Dealer)
October 30, 2018
“The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center will expand its services after receiving an additional $1.5 million in federal funds. “The center on Monday afternoon announced plans to open two new standalone facilities, one on the east side of the city and one in Lake County. They also plan to hire 15 people using that grant money. “‘We’ve never...continue