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Private Practice Partners with
RAINN as ABC Makes TV History |
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ABC made television history this month when its hit drama Private Practice ran a storyline about a male survivor of sexual assault in the military. The episode featured a character that had just returned from Afghanistan, who discloses that he was raped during his military service. This was the first time that a television drama series has featured a male military sexual assault survivor.
The Private Practice team, led by the show's creator, Shonda Rhimes, partnered with RAINN for the second time in the last year. Experts on RAINN's staff were able to help the show's writers and producers understand what many men go through after an assault, and the challenges they face in their recovery process.
Following the February 2 episode, ABC donated ad space to educate members of the military that help is available through the DoD Safe Helpline, which RAINN operates for the Department of Defense.
Read the full article on RAINN.org
Watch the full episode of "The Time Has Come."
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Anderson Cooper Talks with
RAINN about Keeping Kids Safe |
In the wake of the Penn State and Los Angeles school sexual abuse scandals, Anderson Cooper's new daytime talk show, Anderson, spoke with RAINN about protecting children from sexual abuse. With 55% of sexual assault cases going unreported and 93% of juvenile victims knowing their attacker, this episode aimed to educate the audience about child sexual abuse and sex offenders.
"Teach your child the proper names for his or her body parts and empower your child to speak up if someone is making them uncomfortable," was among the tips shared by RAINN spokesperson Katherine Hull. Other panel members gave Anderson viewers advice about how to protect their kids; warning signs to look for; and specific ways to speak to kids about sexual abuse.
See RAINN's top five tips on protecting children from sexual abuse or view clips from the show.
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| Common Sense Ways to Stay Safe this Spring Break |
Did you know that college-aged students are at the highest risk for being sexually assaulted? With spring break just around the corner, RAINN has released some helpful safety tips.
Whether you are headed to the beach or overseas or devoting your spring break to community service, it's important to keep your safety top of mind. In addition to common sense travel safety tips like wearing sunscreen and keeping your passport safe, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk and prevent you or a friend from being the victim of sexual assault.
Trust your instincts, don't let your guard down and get local: these are just a few of the tips. See all of RAINN's Spring Break Safety Tips.
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Supporters Appointed to
National Leadership Council |
Three prominent supporters have been appointed to serve on RAINN's National Leadership Council, a leadership group of individuals who have been recognized for their commitment to RAINN's mission of supporting victims of sexual assault and bringing their attackers to justice.
Former RAINN board member Berit Kyllo Francis and her husband Michael Francis, the president of JC Penney, are longtime supporters and this year made a very generous donation to sustain RAINN's hotlines and public education programs. The Francises also co-chaired a recent Los Angeles event for RAINN, along with Dreamworks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg.
Paul McComas, the author of four critically acclaimed books, has long been one of RAINN's biggest boosters, augmenting his generous financial support with book signings, public appearances and a special benefit CD.
Scott Berkowitz, RAINN's president and founder, welcomed the new members of the leadership council, saying, "Berit and Michael have contributed in so many ways over the years, from Berit's service on our board of directors to introducing us to many new supporters. Paul has long been a great friend to the organization, always ready to help spread the word and educate the public about RAINN's services. We're pleased to be able to recognize their generosity and support by appointing them to our National Leadership Council."
Berkowitz also congratulated the former chair of the National Leadership Council, former congresswoman Susan Molinari, who next month will join Google as its vice president of public policy and government relations for the Americas. "Sue helped lead the battle to fight sexual violence during her years in Congress, and continued her extraordinary service as the founding chair of our leadership council. She has been a great friend to RAINN and played a big role in our growth, and I know she will be a huge asset to Google."
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The Key to a Successful Non-Profit:
Wall Street Journal Highlights RAINN |
Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch profiled RAINN's president and founder, Scott Berkowitz, in a piece about running successful non-profits, giving back and making a difference.
RAINNhas become the country's largest anti-sexual-violence organization and was named one of 'America's 100 Best Charities' by Worth magazine," WSJ reported. "It's grown from a telephone hotline to an organization that also offers confidential and direct help to victims online, and runs public education and public policy programs focused on prevention and justice for victims. 'As our mission has grown, our biggest priority is to change the way America thinks about and responds to the crime of sexual violence, while providing survivors with the help that they deserve,' Berkowitz said."
Read the full article on RAINN.org
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| RAINN in the News |
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"So what, if anything, can we all do to prevent future [serial rapists] from winning the criminal lotto [and not spending a day behind bars]? For starters: Contact your member of Congress and urge them to support H.R. 1523, Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry Act of 2011.
— Loop21 reporter Keli Goff discussing the importance of the SAFER Act with MSNBC's Dylan Ratigan
"I recently partnered with RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, which operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline that people can call for help dealing with traumatic life occurrences like what I experienced as a child. I wish RAINN was around during my adolescent years when I needed a place to turn to." — R&B singer Rahsaan Patterson on Essence.com
"Many survivors say that they felt as though they were alone or ashamed to come forward, but hearing from other people made them realize it was not their fault. Hearing or seeing one of these photos from someone who has survived and is thriving can make a great difference in people's lives who are struggling or are afraid to ask for help."
—RAINN spokesperson Katherine Hull talking about Grace Brown's Project Unbreakable on ABCNews.com
"It's a conversation we have to have and can't shy away from." — Jennifer Marsh, RAINN's hotline director, talks about Penn State on CNN
"Mick Foley had a great idea to raise money for RAINN, a cause that's near and dear to my heart. He suggested holding a raffle where you'll win the opportunity to go to WrestleMania and more importantly, have dinner with myself and some surprise Divas. It's a great way to get involved in a great organization, and a great way to be a part of the best WrestleMania yet!" —Wrestler Eve Torres on WWE.com
"The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. The organization's website is an excellent source of information and support; it should be your first contact: rainn.org." — Amy Dickinson in Ask Amy's syndicated column
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Lawmakers Making a Difference
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| Sen. Cornyn |
"RAINN's great work cannot be overstated and should not be overlooked. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have been proud to work closely with RAINN to support multiple pieces of legislation that target the perpetrators of sexual violence and protect the victims of these terrible crimes. I look forward to continuing this important partnership with RAINN in the years to come."
— Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
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| Sen. Gillibrand |
"I want to thank RAINN for its advocacy on behalf of victims of sexual violence and its dedication to prevention, education and assistance. It is critical that Congress work to protect victims of sexual violence. I will continue to be a leading voice for victims in the Senate, and look forward to continuing to work with RAINN to end violence against women."
— Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
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| More News |
| WrestleMania Dream Vacation Raffle! |
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Enter to win a WrestleMania dream vacation for two! This once in a lifetime experience includes tickets to WrestleMania and the WWE Hall of Fame Induction, a travel allowance of $3,000, three nights lodging in a luxury Miami hotel, and exclusive meals with Mick Foley and Eve Torres!
Raffle tickets are only $2.00 and proceeds will benefit RAINN and our fight against sexual violence. The deadline to enter is Thursday, March 15th at 11:00AM ET. Purchase tickets now.
Check out the FAQs for more details. Don't miss this chance to win the vacation of your dreams!
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| 10,752 Strong & Growing on Twitter |
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RAINN hit a milestone this month, adding its 10,000th Twitter follower. Tweeting under the username @RAINN01, RAINN utilizes this social media platform to engage, empower, and educate Twitter users about sexual violence awareness and prevention. Over the past year, RAINN's Twitter feed has been instrumental in several of RAINN's most successful initiatives, receiving national media attention from such outlets as ABCNews and CNN. Most notably, these Twitter campaigns have included Mick Foley's (@realmickfoley) #10forRAINN donation campaign in April of 2011, and the #ProudPSUforRAINN campaign launched in the wake of the Penn State sexual abuse allegations.
Recently, RAINN's twitter feed was nominated for a Shorty Award for producing the best content in the charity category on Twitter. RAINN received an outpouring of support from Twitter followers, who shared with their online networks why voting for RAINN is so important; said one: "I nominate @RAINN01 for a Shorty Award in #charity because they continually serve, inform, and empower those in need."
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| V-Day 2012 In Your Community |
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Students and community volunteers from 9 cities nationwide are benefiting RAINN through V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. During V-Season, occurring between February 1st and April 15th, local volunteers and college students produce benefit performances of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues and other creative works to raise awareness and funds to combat sexual violence.
By supporting RAINN through attending a V-Day production in your area you will make a difference in your community and help thousands of women and girls throughout the country.
Find a V-Day event near you!
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| Spotlight on the Speakers Bureau: Charlie S. |
Charlie S.
“I feel honored and privileged to be a part of RAINN's Speakers Bureau. Through RAINN I can share my story with others who may not know where to get help after an assault. My objective is to let other victims know about RAINN, the support and help it offers and the changes it can make in people's lives.”
Learn more about becoming a member of RAINN's Speakers Bureau |
| Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Herzog, Online Hotline Volunteer |
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“Prior to becoming an Online Hotline volunteer, I had not anticipated the incredible diversity of the survivors utilizing the service. It is wonderful to help so many survivors at different stages in their healing processes. I help visitors with everything from immediate safety planning to more reflective exploration of the effects that their experiences of trauma have had on the rest of their lives. I am astounded by the courage and commitment to healing that I've seen in all the survivors I've worked with.”
Learn more about volunteering for RAINN |
| Did You Know? |
Nearly half of sexual assault victims are under the age of 18.
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| Add RAINN on Google Plus |
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 Join RAINN on Google Plus, our newest online community! Get the latest RAINN news and happenings in the fight against sexual violence.
Find us on Google Plus here!
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