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What “Counts” as Sexual Violence?

You deserve clarity and support. Learn what sexual violence is, how it can affect you, and why understanding your experience matters for healing.

“Sexual violence” is a broad, non-legal term for a wide range of harmful acts that violate a person’s autonomy and safety.

Survivors of sexual violence often experience immediate and long-lasting trauma, including physical, emotional, and psychological effects.

Here, you can: 

Whether you’re here to learn, support a loved one, or seek help for yourself, you’re in the right place. Knowledge is power—and a step toward prevention, justice, and healing.

Your Starting Point for Awareness, Support, & Action

Get the Facts About Sexual Assault & Rape

Sexual assault and rape are serious crimes that affect millions. Learn what defines these acts, how they differ, and why survivors are NEVER to blame.

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Get the Facts About CSAM: Child Sexual Abuse Material

CSAM isn’t pornography—it’s evidence of criminal exploitation of kids. Get informed, get outraged, and join RAINN’s fight to protect children from online sexual violence.

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Get the Facts About COCSA: Child-on-Child Sexual Abuse

Learn to identify child-on-child sexual abuse (COCSA) and what steps to take if you believe a child has sexually abused another child. 
June 06, 2025

Get the Facts About Incest: Sexual Abuse by a Family Member

Learn what sexual abuse by a family member—also known as incest—looks like, why it’s so harmful, and how survivors can find support and healing.
June 06, 2025

Get the Facts About CSAM: Child Sexual Abuse Material

CSAM isn’t “child porn”—it’s a crime. Get informed, get outraged, and join RAINN’s fight against the technology-fueled sexual exploitation of children.
June 11, 2025

Get the Facts About Tech-Enabled Sexual Abuse

Learn to identify this rapidly increasing form of sexual violence that includes deepfakes, revenge porn, sextortion, and other image-based exploitation.

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Get the Facts About Sexual Violence Against People with Disabilities

Learn how a person’s disability status affects their risk of experiencing sexual violence. Together, we can protect and support people with disabilities.
June 09, 2025

Get the Facts About Elder Sexual Abuse

Learn to recognize the warning signs that an older adult is being sexually abused, and find out how to take action to protect the seniors in your life.
June 06, 2025

Get the Facts About Sexual Violence Against Men and Boys

At least 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual violence, according to many experts. Together, we can break the myths about masculinity and abuse.
June 06, 2025
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Get the Facts About Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault 

Learn about drug-facilitated sexual assault: how it’s perpetrated, the common warning signs, and why survivors are never to blame.

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Get the Facts About Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

Learn to recognize sexual violence by spouses and romantic partners. Learn the warning signs, plan for escape and safety, and get confidential support. 
June 06, 2025

Get the Facts About Sexual Abuse by Medical Professionals

Learn to recognize sexual abuse by medical professionals, what you can do to keep yourself safer, and how to report misconduct. 
June 06, 2025

Get the Facts About Sexual Violence in Law Enforcement Custody

Incarcerated people face unique risks of sexual violence, with complex power dynamics increasing their vulnerability to assault and abuse.
June 06, 2025

Get the Facts About Sexual Harassment

Learn what sexual harassment really looks like, how to recognize the red flags, and what steps you can take to reclaim your safety or support someone you know.

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If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.

Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Chat at hotline.RAINN.org

Text HOPE to 64673 

Get Help Now 

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Whether you’re a survivor yourself or know someone who is, your compassionate support can profoundly impact someone’s healing journey. Here’s how.

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Show up, speak out, and step in. Learn more about how you can add your voice, fight for justice, and help RAINN move its mission forward for survivors.