Reports show that Holtzclaw was a predator who targeted vulnerable women who would likely be disbelieved because of their criminal records. Unfortunately, he isn’t the only cop who has been caught misusing the power of his badge to target women.
From the AP: “In a yearlong investigation of sexual misconduct by U.S. law enforcement, the Associated Press uncovered about 1,000 officers who lost their badges in a six-year period for rape, sodomy and other sexual assault.”
Because it only accounts for police officers whose licenses have been revoked, this figure is a gross undercount of cops who have abused their power in this manner. The report suggests that there are many more cases where police disciplinary action is never taken.
That’s why Holtzclaw’s 263-year prison sentence is so significant. We’re not used to seeing these victims and survivors vindicated, and this holds especially true if they’re black, as Holtzclaw’s victims were.
The verdict represents justice not only for victims of sexual assault, but also victims of police brutality. In some twisted way, Holtzclaw’s sentence restores faith in the ability of the justice system to do its work. It gives hope to those who continue to speak up regardless of the ways our culture silences victims, especially women and people of color.
