Hopefully you decided to continue and check out the latest demo (especially if you are/were a Patron), because there is plenty of further story.
As far as Russell goes, he's in no way an available romance option at the moment. Even though his target goal was met, he's still an extra romance option, and won't be worked on until most of the primary plot is done with.
Rape discussion is also something that, while controversial, shouldn't be ignored and left out because it's uncomfortable. I say this as a rape victim myself.
All I can really say on the matter is, there's more than meets the eye. Considering all the supernatural aspects that are going on in Santa Lucia, I'd say that's a very obvious thing.