The congressional hearings on alleged sexual assault involving Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh are having an impact on some Cleveland area survivors.
The Cleveland Rape Crisis Centerhas seen an uptick in activity this week, said the agency’s president and CEO Sondra Miller.
The average number of daily calls to the Cleveland rape crisis and support hotline in 2017 was 17 calls or texts per day. This week, there has been an increase in calls and text messages above that, Miller said.
“In the last three days we had 24, and then 34 in a day, and 19 yesterday. So we are definitely above average in terms of volume,” she said.
People can reach the hotline counselors by phone, text messages or through online web chat.
There has also been an increase in donations to the agency that has been operating in the Cleveland area since 1974.
“We are getting some donations from people who are watching the hearing and feeling a little bit helpless,” Miller said
Many survivors calling for help are also mentioning the Kavanaugh hearings directly, Miller said.
“These hearings are triggering something very personal for some survivors and it comes with a lot of emotional baggage.”
She urges survivors to take care of themselves, which may include avoiding the news right now.
To reach the Cleveland rape crisis hotline you can call or text 216.619.6192 or 440.423.2020. The hotline is available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week.
