WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced $406,045 to invest in services to support victims of sexual violence in Cleveland. The federal funds, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, have been allocated to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program.
“This is a vital investment in the safety and well-being of the Cleveland community,” Brown said. “The victims of sexual violence often don’t seek help. When they do, it should be there for them.”

Earlier this year, Brown lent his support to the CRCC application. The recovery fund grant secured by CRCC will be used to create three new positions to expand therapy services for survivors of sexual violence. According to CRCC, the positions funded by the grant will: increase the number of therapy clients served by 40 percent, streamline agency intake procedures, establish stronger partnerships throughout the community, and reach out to under-served populations.

“Rape crisis centers across Ohio—and therefore victims--are grossly under-resourced,” CRCC Executive Director Megan O’Bryan said. “Rape continues to be the most under reported crime in our society. Recovery funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Fund will help connect more victims with healing services.”

Since 1974, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center has been providing free, comprehensive and confidential services to survivors and their families. Through its hotline and face-to-face advocacy program, the Center’s staff and volunteers provide 24-hour support and crisis intervention services.  The Center also works to prevent sexual violence through education, primary prevention and training programs. 

The grant program requires that funds be used to: 1) prevent and reduce violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) provide funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reduce mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hire civilian support personnel in law enforcement; 5) enhance forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improve resources and services for victims of crime; 7) support problem-solving courts; and 8) develop national training and technical assistance partnerships.

For more information about recovery funding opportunities, please visit Brown’s recovery Web page HERE. 

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