Congress reauthorized the nation’s primary DNA testing program through 2024. The U.S. Senate voted to renew the Debbie Smith Act, which has increased the use of DNA and has led to more than 192,000 DNA matches in CODIS (the FBI’s DNA database system). The bill had already passed the House, and is...
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Latest News| Apr 2, 2020
COVID-19 Update: RAINN is Here for Survivors
As each us face the many ways COVID-19 has affected our communities and everyday lives, we wanted to take a moment to let you know that RAINN continues to be here to support survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones, no matter what. We know that this is a difficult time, and that uncertainty and feeling a lack of control over our lives may feel especially overwhelming for survivors of sexual violence already coping with trauma and stress. If you need to talk, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800.656.HOPE or online.rainn.org. As always, services are free, confidential, and 24/7. Whether you’re a survivor or a loved one, we're here for you.
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Apr 21, 2020
RAINN Releases Resources for Preventing & Responding to Sexual Violence in Temporary Medical Facilities During COVID-19
RAINN today shared with government agencies at the federal, state and local levels a new checklist of considerations for preventing and responding to sexual violence as they build and manage temporary medical facilities related to COVID-19. RAINN has created a central hub of guidance documents from leading experts with COVID-19-specific protocols for investigators, prosecutors, courts, and public officials. The guidance covers issues such as investigating sexual assault; forensic interviews for abused children; and ensuring the continuity of services such as sexual assault forensic exams during coronavirus-related closures.
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Apr 16, 2020
For the First Time Ever, Minors Make Up Half of Visitors to National Sexual Assault Hotline
In March, as shelter-in-place orders were implemented across the country, for the first time ever, half of the victims receiving help from the National Sexual Assault Hotline were minors. “Unfortunately for many, and especially for children experiencing sexual abuse, ‘stay at home’ doesn’t mean ‘safe at home,’” said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN’s president. Of minors who discussed coronavirus-related concerns, 67% identified their perpetrator as a family member and 79% said they were living with that perpetrator.
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Apr 02, 2020
RAINN Working to Protect Vulnerable Populations During COVID-19 Crisis
RAINN is working with state agencies to address emergency preparedness and response measures for survivors of sexual violence, particularly children, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During natural disasters and in conflict zones, the prevalence of sexual violence increases,” said Camille Cooper, RAINN’s vice president of public policy. “There are so many things we need to consider in this crisis to ensure that we’re doing all we can to prevent sexual violence and appropriately respond when it does happen.”
Learn More Latest News | November 25, 2019
Author and RAINN Supporter on Ending Sexual Violence
Each month, RAINN features a member of its National Leadership Council (NLC). The NLC is a group of dedicated individuals who have shown their commitment to RAINN’s mission of supporting survivors and ending sexual violence. This month we checked in with author, and RAINN supporter, Jen Sincero.
Latest News | November 25, 2019
Closer Look: RAINN’s Development Team
How has RAINN kept the National Sexual Assault Hotline free, secure, and available 24/7 to serve over 3 million survivors and their loved ones during the past 25 years? That, along with providing funding for RAINN’s work educating the public and improving public policy, is the job of RAINN’s...
Latest News | November 25, 2019
Self Care and Mental Health This Holiday Season
The holiday season can be an exciting time to gather together with family and friends, but it can also be a stressful time of year for many survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. Self care is important year-round, but especially during the holiday season, when some survivors experience...
Latest News | November 01, 2019
Barriers to Reporting in Indigenous Communities
Indigenous people in the U.S. face higher rates of sexual violence than the general population, and the majority of these sexual assaults are perpetrated by individuals outside of indigenous communities. During Native American History Month this November, RAINN is looking at some of the barriers to...