NCCASA Statement Against Cosby Overturned Conviction
July 2, 2021
July 2, 2021
The North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault is outraged, disappointed, and disheartened in the overturned Bill Cosby 2018 conviction by a Pennsylvania appeals court. This is not justice for survivors.
Cosby was convicted on three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault and was serving a three-to-10-year sentence. Cosby vowed to serve all 10 years rather than acknowledge any remorse over the assault he was convicted of. Cosby cannot be retried on the same charges.
The prosecution of Cosby came at the height of the #MeToo movement, where people across the world started a crucial conversation about sexual misconduct, harassment, and assault. At the time, his conviction was seen as a victory for survivors.
We want to make this very clear: this overturned conviction is not a sign of innocence, but is based on a technicality in our flawed justice system. Additionally, we cannot ignore the fact that carceral punishment is not equal to justice for all survivors, as the prison system is incredibly flawed and traumatic. True accountability is reforming the entire judicial system that this country lives under. While not all survivors seek justice and healing through the criminal and legal system, this is an example of some of the many challenges and roadblocks survivors may face when seeking accountability.
To all the survivors involved in this case: we are standing with you during this incredibly disappointing moment. We will continue to fight for you, and for all the survivors in the world who have been impacted by this overturned conviction. The amount of courage it takes to speak up and share your story, especially when faced against a powerful figure, is immeasurable. Your bravery will not be in vain, and we will never forget the strength you demonstrated.
NCCASA will continue to work each day to advocate for survivor rights and justice. You are not alone, and we are here for you.
The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), organizes the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. The Hotline is a referral service that can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center. You can call the Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, or access RAINN’s online chat service. To find your local rape crisis center in North Carolina, please visit our Get Help page at https://nccasa.org/get-help/.
In Solidarity,
Executive Director, NCCASA