Responsible Storytelling in Film & Television

Film: Luckiest Girl Alive

RAINN sat down with filmmakers from Luckiest Girl Alive to create a roundtable discussion resource that viewers are directed to after watching the film to learn more about sexual violence and how to support survivors.  

Trauma-Informed Storytelling Begins Here

Entertainment and media shape the public’s understanding of sexual violence, individually and as a society. When survivors’ stories are told and shared with care, they have the power to dismantle stigma, inspire action, and encourage healing. 

RAINN helps storytellers avoid sensationalism and stereotypes and thoughtfully navigate the sensitive conversations surrounding survivor and sexual violence content.

By working with RAINN, media professionals become part of a movement to transform how sexual violence is portrayed—and how survivors are treated.

Best Practice: Share RAINN’s Hotline

Take a simple, powerful step toward trauma-informed storytelling by including RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline in your production or promotional materials, including title cards, credits, companion websites, and social media posts.

• Help survivors access immediate, confidential support
• Demonstrate a commitment to responsible storytelling
• Foster cultural change by normalizing help-seeking

Entertainment Can Change Lives

When Lifetime aired “Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning” in 2020 and featured RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline, the hotline experienced a 40% increase in calls. 

“We are so thankful for our partnership with RAINN as part of our Stop Violence Against Women Initiative and to see the jump in calls during the airings of ‘Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning.’ It’s amazing to know the documentary has encouraged important and necessary conversations to happen, and we are extremely proud of our survivors for their courage, who by standing up for themselves, stand for so much more.” 

– Brie Miranda Bryant, SVP, Unscripted Programming, Lifetime