In honor of RAINN’s 25th anniversary, each month we’ll be taking a closer look at the people and programs that are essential in our work to help survivors today and every day. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on RAINN’s research and evaluation team.
Latest News
Latest News| Dec 20, 2019
Critical Rape Kit Backlog Funding Passed By Congress
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 now headed for the president to be signed into law.
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Jan 02, 2020
Journalist and Activist on How to Be There for Survivors
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 journalist, editor, entrepreneur, activist, Jacqui Cheng.
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Jan 07, 2020
Surviving R. Kelly Part II Leads to 40% Increase in Calls to National Sexual Assault Hotline
“The Friday and Saturday after 'Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning' aired, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline experienced a 40% increase in calls. We are proud to have partnered with Lifetime on this project and are encouraged that our work with the media continues to empower survivors of sexual violence to seek the help that they need to heal.” - Erinn Robinson, RAINN Press Secretary
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Jan 02, 2020
Stalking Isn’t Romantic, It’s a Crime
During National Stalking Awareness Month this January, RAINN is bringing attention to different forms of stalking and some warning signs that you may be experiencing stalking. “The majority of stalking is perpetrated by someone the victim knows, often a current or former romantic partner. Whether it’s in-person or online, stalking is never acceptable behavior,” says Keeli Sorensen, RAINN’s vice president of victim services.
Learn More Latest News | July 30, 2019
RAINN Files Amicus Brief in Support of Cosby Conviction
As a court weighs Bill Cosby’s appeal of his conviction, RAINN and its pro bono legal team at Hogan Lovells, LLP, have filed a joint amicus brief arguing to uphold the verdict. The brief makes the case that the testimony of five additional victims who testified against Cosby established a pattern...
Latest News | July 11, 2019
RAINN Statement: Rape Kit Backlog Becomes A 2020 Presidential Campaign Issue
RAINN released a statement following Sen. Kamala Harris’ announcement of a plan to eliminate the rape kit backlog. “An important step for Members of the House of Representatives would be to pass S.820, the Debbie Smith Act, which has passed the Senate and is currently awaiting action by House...
Latest News | July 08, 2019
Rape Kit Law at Risk of Expiring Unless Congress Acts
The federal law that helps state crime labs test tens of thousands of rape kits every year, the Debbie Smith Act, will expire this fall unless Congress acts to renew it. Since 2005, there have been more than 455,000 matches of crime scene evidence to offenders’ DNA. Of these matches, 42 percent—...
Latest News | July 08, 2019
NLC Member Highlight: Peter Church
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 longtime supporter, Peter Church.