Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has awarded the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) a $1,000,000 grant through the OVC’s Services for Minor Victims of Sex Trafficking program. These funds will allow the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center to provide direct services to minors who are victims of sex trafficking in Cuyahoga and Ashtabula Counties to improve the survivor’s safety, access to justice, and self-sufficiency. This project will also include legal assistance and criminal justice advocacy for minors who are victims, additional support and guidance in navigating the criminal justice system, and access to supportive activities such as crisis intervention, case management, mental health counseling, and life skills training.
“This vital investment in the safety and well-being of the Cleveland community and it is indicative of our collective responsibility to protect and support survivors of trafficking,” Brown said. “The funds are important to help the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center identify and put a stop to human trafficking activity.”
CRCC will partner with the Ohio Department of Youth Services, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court and Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office and these agencies will refer identified minors to CRCC to receive necessary services and training. CRCC will also launch a campaign to spread awareness on minor sex trafficking.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center supports survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promotes healing and prevention, and advocates for social change. Each year, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center serves more than 64,000 people in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake Counties. Anyone can make an appointment today to meet with a counselor at locations in Ashtabula, Chardon, Clark-Fulton, Mentor, Shaker Square, or Westlake.
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