Now Open: Trauma-Informed Soft Interview Room in Ashtabula April 23, 2026
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Unveils Trauma-Informed Soft Interview Room in Ashtabula During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) officially unveiled a new Soft Interview Room at its Ashtabula office on Thursday, April 23, 2026, marking a significant step forward in creating more trauma-informed, survivor-centered systems in Northeast Ohio.
The ribbon-cutting event, held during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), brought together CRCC leadership, the Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s Office and community partners to celebrate this important advancement in supporting survivors of sexual violence.
The Soft Interview Room is designed to provide a safe, calming environment for survivors to participate in interviews with law enforcement and prosecutors, reducing re-traumatization and supporting more compassionate, effective responses.
This initiative was inspired and informed by Project Beloved, a national organization dedicated to supporting survivors and promoting trauma-informed practices. Project Beloved provided design guidance for the space—including furniture, lighting, and color selection—and contributed meaningful wall art and “Beloved Bundles” that offer comfort to survivors following forensic interviews.
“This space represents what it looks like when systems come together with survivors at the center,” said Nicole McKinney-Johnson, President & CEO of CRCC. “For many survivors, sharing their story is one of the most difficult steps in the healing and justice process. Creating an environment that feels safe, respectful, and supportive is not just important—it’s essential. This is how we begin to break down barriers and build real safety in our communities.”
The Soft Interview Room will be utilized by law enforcement as a dedicated space to conduct sensitive interviews, helping to foster trust and improve outcomes for survivors navigating the justice system.
April Grabman, Ashtabula County Prosecutor, emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving the justice response to sexual violence. “This partnership allows us to approach these cases with greater care and sensitivity,” said Prosecutor Grabman. “Having access to a space like this helps ensure that survivors are treated with the respect they deserve and provided a setting where they can share their experiences without feeling like they are under suspicion.”
Chief Deputy Terry A. Moisio of the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office shared his support for the initiative. “Creating a setting like this allows us to approach interviews with greater empathy and care,” said Chief Deputy Moisio. “When survivors feel more at ease, it not only supports their sense of safety but also helps us do our jobs more effectively. This is an important step forward for our community.”
“This room reflects our commitment to meeting survivors where they are,” said Jessica Martin, Chief Program Officer at CRCC. “We know that environment plays a crucial role in supporting a survivor’s healing and courage as they share their story. By creating a space intentionally designed to reduce stress and promote comfort, we are supporting survivors in a way that honors their experiences and strengthens their ability to engage in the process.”
The event included remarks from CRCC leadership and community partners, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of the space. The room will now serve as a resource for law enforcement and prosecutors working with survivors in Ashtabula County.
This effort aligns with CRCC’s 2026 Sexual Assault Awareness Month theme, Breaking Barriers. Building Safety., and underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing trauma-informed practices across systems that serve survivors.
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About Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) provides free, confidential, trauma-informed services to survivors of sexual violence across Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Lake, and Geauga counties. Services include a 24/7 hotline, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education. CRCC works to support survivors, educate the community, and advocate for systemic change to end sexual violence.