RAINN Press

Columbus, O.H. (April 25, 2024) – RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization released the following statement as H.B. 161 heads to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s desk. This bill eliminates the spousal exception rule and permits victims to testify against their spouse. It is necessary to prevent sexual violence and provide justice to survivors, regardless of marital status. Currently Ohio law makes it legal for someone to rape their spouse. “People should be legally protected…

Honolulu, H.I. (May 13, 2024) – RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization released the following statement as Hawaii SB 2439 heads to Governor Josh Green’s desk to be signed into law: SB 2439 opens up a window for survivors to choose to pursue justice. The bill extends the statute of limitations for two years for civil actions brought by adult survivors of sexual violence. This provides adult survivors of sexual offenses a chance at…

On April 1, coinciding with the first day of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, RAINN applauded new guidance released today from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that advises teaching hospitals to obtain written informed consent from patients before they undergo sensitive examinations while under anesthesia, like a pelvic, breast, rectal, or prostate exam, for teaching purposes. “This letter from HHS is a critical leap forward in protecting patients and medical…

In response to the charges of racketeering, conspiracy, and sex trafficking against Sean “Diddy” Combs, RAINN released the following statement: “The scale of the allegations against Combs is truly stunning. I’m grateful to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for pursuing this case so aggressively,” said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN founder and president. “Cases against the famous and powerful are watched very closely by survivors across the country. This indictment sends a clear message that every survivor deserves…

Washington, D.C. (April 25, 2024) – RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization released the following statement after the New York Court of Appeals overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction on felony sex crime charges with a 4-3 decision: If you are covering this story, please note RAINN has subject matter experts available for interview, comment, and reaction to support your coverage of this stunning decision. “Overturning the conviction of Harvey Weinstein is a horrible decision…

Washington, D.C. – RAINN released the following statement after the jury in a Los Angeles court delivered a mixed verdict for former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein. Jurors found him guilty of raping one woman but either found him not guilty or could not decide on other charges. “While many will reflect on how this verdict is another significant chapter in Harvey Weinstein’s history as a sexual predator tonight, RAINN is reflecting on the significance…

Washington, D.C. – RAINN released the following statement after R. Kelly received an additional 20 year sentence for child sex abuse crimes and Harvey Weinstein received an additional 16 year sentence in the Los Angeles rape case against him: “For the survivors of horrific sexual violence perpetrated by Kelly and Weinstein, we hope that these additional sentences offer some path to healing. We thank them for their courage and for the awesome responsibility they shouldered…

Washington, D.C. (April 27, 2023) – RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, released the following statement following the cross-examination of E. Jean Carroll in her civil rape case against Donald Trump: “This cross examination is an example of just how difficult navigating the justice system can be for survivors,” said Erinn Robinson, Director of Media Relations, RAINN. “For survivors who are following this case and may be weighing the decision to come forward, we…

Washington, D.C. (January 31, 2024)—Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing testimony by CEOs from Meta, TikTok, X, Discord, and Snap on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on their respective platforms. The distribution and presence of CSAM on social media platforms amounts to an avalanche of abuse. In 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received over 32 million CyberTipline reports for CSAM containing more than 88 million images, videos,…

Washington, D.C. (May 9, 2023) – RAINN released the following statement after a Manhattan jury voted to hold Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation of E. Jean Carroll: “We thank E. Jean Carroll, who will inspire survivors to come forward to tell their stories and face perpetrators. This case demonstrates that all perpetrators, no matter how powerful, can and will be held accountable. For those watching coverage of this case and looking for…

RAINN uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) End User Messaging Social, which leverages the WhatsApp Connector to create on-demand crisis hotlines and additional online support mediums. This solution integrates RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline directly into social media messaging platforms, gaming, and other social networking sites. Washington, D.C. (April 28, 2025) — RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, announces a new point of access on WhatsApp, powered by Amazon Web Services’ End Messaging Social. Using…

Richmond, V.A. – RAINN released the following statement after Governor Glenn Youngkin signed H.B. 764. The bill modifies the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to make it easier for victims of sexual abuse or criminal sexual assault to terminate a rental agreement early if they are no longer safe in that location, without a financial penalty. “Our laws should provide victims every path to get to safety, including the ability to terminate a lease…