BARCC’s Statement on R. Kelly Sentencing

When high-profile sexual assault cases become public, it can trigger traumatic memories and feelings for survivors. Testimony suggested that many people knew that R. Kelly had been engaging in this behavior for years – even decades – before survivors were heard, believed and were finally able to seek some form of justice via the legal system.

R. Kelly preyed primarily on black girls and young women, so this case and even the sentencing maybe especially triggering for women of color as it speaks to ways in which women of color often feel ignored, not cared for, and not taken seriously when they speak up about sexual violence. We recognize how difficult it is to speak up in situations like this with so much media attention and a powerful perpetrator willing to use their status to try and silence survivors and inflict further harm.

At BARCC, we want to encourage survivors who are reliving trauma to pay attention to their feelings; don’t minimize or disregard them. Part of our job is to end sexual violence through healing– by believing, by listening, and by supporting survivors, their loved ones, and community members who are affected by sexual violence every day.