Cleveland Crisis Center seeks community support for survivors of violence

The Cleveland Heights Council Committee of the Whole meeting on May 5, 2025, featured a significant presentation by Andrew Defreitas, Senior Director of Public Affairs for the Cleveland Crisis Center. Defreitas provided an overview of the center's vital services and its ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence in the community.

During his address, Defreitas emphasized the importance of awareness and action, particularly in light of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month. He highlighted the center's role as a leading crisis intervention resource in Northeast Ohio, serving thousands of individuals each year across Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Ashtabula Counties. The center offers free, trauma-informed therapy and counseling, with a notable portion of its clients being children.

Defreitas outlined the center's comprehensive services, which include victim assistance and advocacy to help survivors navigate complex systems such as law enforcement and healthcare. He also discussed the center's prevention education initiatives, which reach approximately 40,000 students and community members annually, aiming to equip them with knowledge to prevent sexual violence.

The presentation concluded with a call to action for local leaders to support the center's mission by promoting its services and participating in community needs assessments. Defreitas urged council members to advocate for survivors and to help create a safer, more supportive environment for all community members.

This meeting underscored the Cleveland Crisis Center's commitment to addressing sexual violence and supporting survivors, reinforcing the need for community involvement in these critical efforts.