Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Helps States Erase Rape Kit Backlogs

RAINN’s policy department has joined a team of national experts selected by the Justice Department to support states’ work to address and end the backlog of untested and unanalyzed rape kits.

Airport Security for Survivors

Airport security can be stressful for any traveler, but for some survivors of sexual assault the security screening process is a little more sensitive.

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Safety Tips for Traveling

Whether you travel often or you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it’s important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations. 

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Flashbacks

During a flashback, memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

After a traumatic event, it is typical to have feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear, making it difficult to adjust or cope for some time afterwards.

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How Can Therapy Help?

If you decide to seek support from a therapist after sexual assault or abuse, you may have some questions. That’s perfectly normal. Working with a therapist can help you deal with some of the challenges you may be facing.

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Self-Care After Trauma

Whether it happened recently or years ago, self care can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects of a trauma like sexual assault.

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Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault

It’s not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, especially if they are a friend or family member.

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Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Many perpetrators of sexual abuse are in a position of trust or responsible for the child’s care, such as a family member, teacher, clergy member, coach, or other children such as older siblings.  

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Communicating with Law Enforcement

You may only interact with law enforcement when you report, or they might ask you to stay involved with the investigation over a length of time.

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The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases

Preserving DNA evidence is a key tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence.

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Reporting to Law Enforcement

Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.

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What to Expect from the Criminal Justice System

Understanding a few key aspects of the criminal justice system can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

After a traumatic event, it is typical to have feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear, making it difficult to adjust or cope for some time afterwards.

Related Content

How Can Therapy Help?

If you decide to seek support from a therapist after sexual assault or abuse, you may have some questions. That’s perfectly normal. Working with a therapist can help you deal with some of the challenges you may be facing.

Read More

Flashbacks

During a flashback, memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment.

Read More

Depression

There are many emotional and psychological reactions that victims of rape and sexual assault can experience. One of the most common of these is depression.

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Receiving Medical Attention

After sexual assault, a medical exam can check for help check for injuries, even those you may not be able to see.

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What Is a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam?

During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.

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Sexually Transmitted Infections

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a bacterial or viral infection passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral contact.

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Crime Victim Compensation

If you decide to report the crime and work with law enforcement, you may be able to access financial compensation from a state agency to help cover some of the costs associated with the crime.

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The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases

Preserving DNA evidence is a key tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence.

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Addressing the Rape Kit Backlog

The overwhelming backlog of DNA evidence is currently one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence.

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What Is a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam?

During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.

Read More

Reporting to Law Enforcement

Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.

Read More

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