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After decades of investigations, indictments, and lawsuits, R. Kelly was sentenced this week to 30 years in prison for his crimes against children. ECPAT-USA expresses our respect and appreciation to all those who aided in bringing this case to the courts, especially the courageous survivors who testified about the abuse they experienced at the hands of the singer.
“The overwhelming message in this case is that we must believe survivors,” said Lori L. Cohen, ECPAT-USA’s CEO. “Kelly's victims ranged from women to girls to boys, but nearly all were Black and Brown, groups that historically have been ignored or even blamed for abuses inflicted against them. We hope this sentencing offers some small amount of justice to these individuals and serves as a turning point for a criminal justice system that, tragically, often still ignores victims.”
While it may be tempting to breathe a sigh of relief now that, with the sentencing of both R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell, two high-profile predators will no longer be able to harm our children, we must also remember that there are children in our communities today who are at risk of abuse. ECPAT-USA will continue to fight to ensure that all children can grow up in a world free from exploitation and trafficking.
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