Imperial Avenue murders raise awareness of sexual violence against women

from WKYC.com on Saturday, November 7th



http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=124930

CLEVELAND -- The community is still trying to come to terms with the gruesome murders discovered on Imperial Avenue, and one Cleveland organization is also hoping to open a dialogue about an difficult topic.

So far, all the victims in these murders have been women, and police believe suspect, Anthony Sowell preyed on vulnerable women.

In the past, Sowell was sent to prison for attempted rape. Now the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center hopes this case will raise awareness and prompt public discussion about crimes against women and that more women will come forward to report these crimes.

However, most survivors of these crimes, fail to file a police report out of fear. The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center wants to create a climate where victims of rape or sexual violence are treated with respect and dignity.

In response to the murders on Imperial Avenue, the rape crisis center will be holding a community forum about rape and sexual assault. It will be held Tuesday, November 10 at 6 p.m. at the Mt. Pleasant Branch of the Cleveland Public Library. It is located at 14000 Kinsman Rd.

For more information on the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, click here.
They also have a 24-hour hotline at (216) 619-6192.