Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been behind bars for 60 consecutive days.
Since his Feb. 28 arrest, Velasquez has only issued a pair of public statements. The latter of those came Friday, in the form of an awareness-raising effort as April is National Sexual Assault Awareness & Child Abuse Prevention Month. Through a statement posted on Twitter, Velasquez asked followers to considering donating to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
“As April, National Sexual Assault Awareness & Child Abuse Prevention Month, comes to an end, let’s remember the facts so that we can help drive change.
“Fact: Only a tiny fraction of children who are sexually abused will ever tell anyone.
“Fact: Around 85% of children who are sexually abused are abused by someone in their circle of trust.
“Fact: Most people who sexually abuse children will never be caught or prosecuted.
“Although I am not at home, I stand to help educate the community and provide resources and information for victims and their families. No one should have to go through sexual abuse and we need to stand up and push for change. Thank you all for your continued love and support.
“Please visit and consider supporting rainn.org in its mission to educate the public on sexual violence.”
Velasquez, 39, remains a Santa Clara County inmate after he allegedly shot a gun at accused child molester Harry Goularte, who allegedly sexually assaulted a four-year-old family member of Velasquez’s at a daycare center. Velasquez instead allegedly struck Goularte’s stepfather Paul Bender in the shoulder with a bullet, which caused injury. Velasquez was arrested and charged with attempted murder, among other charges.
Please go to @RAINN to learn more. pic.twitter.com/MvnnIOugU6
— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) April 29, 2022
Velasquez was denied bail, but Goularte was granted his and is currently out as he awaits a plea hearing scheduled for June 6. Velasquez’s plea hearing is scheduled for May 6. Both plea hearings were previously scheduled for April, but were granted continuances so attorney’s could further review case information.
The support for Velasquez in the MMA community and beyond has been widespread, as advocates and supporters flocked to both of his court appearances thus far. Prior to Friday, Velasquez’s lone statement since his arrest expressed gratitude in the love he’s received, but also asked for other alleged victims to speak up.
