BALENCIAGA CONTROVERSY DEMONSTRATES URGENT NEED TO COMBAT RISE OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL

Washington, D.C. - Today, in response to the controversy about Balenciaga’s ad campaign, RAINN is highlighting Lean On Me: A Caregiver’s Guide To Safeguarding Children And Supporting Healing From Sexual Abuse, a free five-episode video series and guidebook with must-know information for parents and caregivers.

“There is a clear and urgent need to educate the public on the alarming rise of child sexual abuse material and provide resources for survivors of child sexual abuse material. This is why RAINN’s policy work has focused on ending the exploitation of children online and protecting children online. We thank Kim Kardashian for highlighting this important issue and hope that this will be a moment for the public to learn about the warning signs of grooming and child sexual abuse.” — Erinn Robinson, director of media relations, RAINN.

RAINN has also urged journalists to use the term “child sexual abuse material” instead of “child pornography,” as it more accurately describes the fact that such images depict the real-world abuse of a child.

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About RAINN

RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, help organizations improve their sexual assault prevention and response programs, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visiting online.rainn.org.