5 Organizations Helping Black Women to Support

Alongside Jim DeRogatis' extensive reporting on the accusations against Kelly dating back a decade, the recent exposure from Surviving has catalyzed the public's fight to not only bring the singer to justice but to address sexual violence, particularly against Black women. Online, the #MuteRKelly movement and a demand that RCA Records immediately #DropRKelly aim to boycott Kelly, and in turn promote believing and protecting Black women and girls.

The effects of the conversation surrounding the case haven't only been felt online; sex abuse hotlines have also seen a surge in calls since the series aired. When stories like these break out, it's hard not to feel a little helpless. In light of the recent controversy, we've compiled a list of 5 organizations doing work to support sexual assault victims, many with a specific focus on advocating for women of color, that you can support.

Girls For Gender Equity

Combining grassroots organization, advocacy, policy change, the Girls for Gender Equity organization seeks to help vulnerable youth and communities of color in the fight against gender violence. CGE is a grassroots organization committed to the "physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being of girls and women" according to their mission on their website. They recently compiled an accessible guide for viewers to accompany the Surviving R. Kelly documentary (as the content could be triggering for survivors of sexual assault), which you can download here.

RAINN

The Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline that provides survivors with confidential support, information, and local resources after incidents of sexual violence. They also offer programs about safety & prevention, public policy, and steps to take moving forward.

The National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault

NOSCESA advocates for women and communities of color within the broader movement to end sexual assault. They work with an interdisciplinary approach to fight against discrimination, combining support, training, and policy advocacy, among other strategies. Their mission emphasizes unity and sisterhood, and promoting new forms of leadership.

A Long Walk Home

Based of Chicago, ALWH is a national non-profit that employs art therapy, visual, and performing arts as a means to end violence against girls and women. They work to educate, inspire, and empower young people in order to foster safe communities and ultimately end gender violence. They provide a wide range of resources, programs, and information for survivors on their website.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center is centered around preventing and responding to sexual violence through research, collaboration, and assisting coalitions interested in ending sexual assault. They publish a biannual newsletter called The Resource, in addition issuing press releases, organizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and providing free resource material.