Local organization says Cosby verdict sends important message to victims of sexual assault

HOUSTON (Fox 26) - The Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) says the guilty verdict in the Bill Cosby trial sends an important message to victims of sexual assault.

“It’s a positive thing for survivors because [it tells them] it’s okay that you didn’t come forward and that you want to come forward now. That there is a sense of accountability. That accountability does exist within the criminal justice system,” said Sonia Corrales, Interim President and CEO of the HAWC.

Corrales says the fact that some people say Cosby’s accusers waited too long to denounce him and are seeking the limelight, shows that there is a lack of awareness about sexual assault.

“Sexual assault is very traumatic because there’s a lot of attitudes about sexual violence and how people may react to it. All of that contributes to people not coming forward,” she added.

Corrales says victims may also fear that they will not be believed or face retaliation if they come forward. She adds sexual assault is very prevalent but also severely underreported.

Corrales is hopeful times are changing and she credits awareness campaigns like #MeToo and the high profile cases of sexual assault in the last year.

April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month. For more information on HAWC’s free and confidential services, visit www.hawc.org. They also have a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The number is 713-528-RAPE (7273).