Robert "R." Kelly was indicted recently on ten counts of aggravated sexual abuse involving four women. Kelly maintains his innocence.
Abuse allegations made against Kelly camefrom black women and go back decades. Chicago activist Anthony Clark organized protests once a documentary brought stories to light earlier this year. Clark said charges are long overdue.
"Why did it take this long? Are black women and girls, are brown women and girls not worth anything?" Clark said.
Jessica Nunez is a counselor at Mutual Grounds in Aurora. It’s a place for people to get help out of domestic violence. She said she commonly sees women of color come in for services.
"Legal advocates kind of explain to them what rights they have. If it is something that goes to trial like to court then the legal advocates will be with them the entire time," Nunez said.
Nunez said the center also offers hospital advocates for those who have been sexually assaulted, along with counseling and residential services.