Thousands Seek Help Following Launch of Survivor Series

Portraits of four sexual assault survivors: Juliana, Kieth, Debra, and Lucy. They each discuss recovery from sexual assault. A new national, multi-network campaign, the RAINN Survivor Series, has led to a surge in demand for the RAINN’s victim service programs. The campaign, made possible by a Getty Images Creative Grant, features seven survivors of sexual assault speaking openly about the importance of reaching out for help.

In the month since the campaign’s launch, 17,633 survivors have received help from RAINN’s hotlines. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and rainn.org) which provide 24/7 services to survivors. The campaign has resulted in a 41% increase in people served and a 3,000% increase in views of RAINN’s video content on YouTube.

“Survivors reaching out to RAINN’s Online Hotline have mentioned that they’ve seen the PSAs on TV, or seen the stories online,” said Candice Lopez, Director of the National Sexual Assault Hotline. “It’s clear that these stories are resonating with many different kinds of survivors and their loved ones.”

The creative team was led by Susan Chanin and Rana Faure (Mother Image), Florence Buchanan (Project Buchanan) and director Poppy de Villeneuve. The production team in New York City, coordinated with RAINN to feature the seven survivors, and secured pro bono services from Hooligan and Zebra production companies. The team produced :30 and :60 second videos and a photo series highlighting the personal impact of the crime and the challenges survivors face in reaching out for help.

“We’re very encouraged to see that this campaign is making a difference in the lives of those who may be struggling — and grateful to the many national television networks that are donating airtime to make this impact possible,” said Katherine Hull Fliflet, RAINN’s vice president of communications.

The campaign received broad support from national media companies, such as A&E, TLC, and USA Network, which are airing the :30 PSAs featuring survivors speaking candidly about their unique experiences, and how RAINN has supported them in the recovery process. National media outlets have also latched onto the campaign to highlight Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, including coverage from CNN, People, Glamour and SELF.

Thanks to the National Association of Broadcasters, local TV stations can easily add these broadcast-quality 30- and 60-second spots to their inventory at no cost, directly from the NAB Spot Center.

Get Involved with the RAINN Survivor Series Campaign:

  • Ask your local TV stations to run the new PSAs for the National Sexual Assault Hotline
    • Let your station’s community relations or public affairs manager know that sexual violence is an important issue in your community. They can download the broadcast quality PSAs through this link from the NAB Spot Center.
  • Share these Survivor Stories on social media
    • Sexual assault affects everyone. Meet the seven brave survivors who are speaking out in the new RAINN Survivor Series: https://rainn.org/survivorseries. #SAAPM
  • Donate to support the National Sexual Assault Hotline
    • Just $10 provides support for one person through the National Sexual Assault Hotline, and through April 30th at 11:59pm your donation will be matched.

Meet everyone part of the RAINN Survivor Series: Keith, Julianna, Adam, SamenthaBarbara, Debra, and Lucy.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org, y en español: rainn.org/es.

About RAINN

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. The hotlines have helped more than two million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.