It's hard to believe that it's been one year since the Penn State community first came together to support survivors in the wake of the charges against Jerry Sandusky. Not only did the news bring the tragedy of childhood sexual abuse to light, it brought thousands of people together to support survivors.
Over the past year supporters raised $548,000 to ensure that survivors would have access to help they deserve through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. In fact, the funds raised enabled 13,047 additional survivors to get help on the Online Hotline. The #ProudPSUforRAINN campaign, comprised of the Penn State Community — alumni, students, parents and fans — and other concerned individuals, banded together to help something positive come out the tragedy. #ProudPSUforRAINN was a one-month campaign, but the momentum and support for RAINN and survivors was seen year-round with unique and creative events held around the country to raise money and awareness about sexual violence.
The momentum also helped shift the way Americans think about sexual violence while encouraging survivors to reach out for help, many for the very first time. By the thousands, people sought help from RAINN's Online Hotline — 47% more than ever before.
"We've been astonished by the extraordinary support from across the nation," said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN's president and founder. "We now face the continuing challenge of providing survivors with the help they deserve. Usage of our Online Hotline is soaring and our hope is that even more survivors will take their first steps towards recovery."
Every single day 117 people are helped on the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. The safe and secure platform utilizes groundbreaking technology, allowing our well-trained staff to provide victims with help anonymously, 24/7. We have found that many young survivors prefer to get help online (and nearly half of all victims of sexual violence are under the age of 18). This is why continued support for the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline is essential.
"What about children who are still being abused every day in this nation? Where can they turn? That is why it is still so important to continue to support RAINN."
— Kelly Weisner, a RAINNMaker, encourages her fellow PSU community members to continue their support.
We need your help to continue helping survivors. It takes $42 to help a visitor on the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. Support one — or more — today with a gift to RAINN.
