Key Information Source

RAINN's policy department tracks, analyzes, and disseminates statistics and information on federal and state policies regarding sexual assault. We provide technical assistance to over 1,100 rape crisis centers nationwide and serve as the leading information source for criminal justice organizations, the media, allied organizations, and the public on the issue of sexual violence.

Improving our Justice System

RAINN also leads national efforts to improve sexual assault laws and policies. RAINN leaders have testified to Congress on issues ranging from DNA to sexual assault in the military, and are regularly consulted by members of Congress, state legislators and others working to improve the system.

Most notably, we led the national effort to solve the huge backlog of untested DNA evidence from open rape cases. Using our extensive media relationships and lobbying experience, and helped by tens of thousands of supporters, we built support for and helped pass the Debbie Smith Act. This law, considered the most important anti-rape legislation ever passed by Congress, is expected to help solve tens of thousands of open rape cases and get thousands of rapists off our streets.