RAINN has partnered with Music Box Films on the box-office sensations The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire. These films, adopted from Steig Larsson’s best-selling Millennium Trilogy novels, feature the reoccurring theme of violence against women. Occurrences of sexual violence play a prominent role in the three novels, appearing in the forms of rape, sexual abuse, and trafficking. RAINN is working with Music Box Films to raise awareness of sexual violence, and ensure that victims like the trilogy's main character — Lisbeth — get the help they deserve.

Music Box Films is sponsoring the 2010 Larsson’s Sweden Sweepstakes, which includes round-trip plane tickets for two and passes to explore Larsson’s Stockholm. Enter now to visit this European city, setting of the Millennium Trilogy, and enjoy luxury accommodations for three nights in the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel plus one night at the Seglarhotellet in Sandhamn in the Stockholm archipelago!

Enter to win

Actress and RAINN Spokesperson Christina Ricci is featured in August’s Instyle magazine — on newsstands now! She cited her role in the movie Black Snake Moan as a life-changing job, as it led to her becoming involved with RAINN and an advocate for survivors of sexual assault.

RAINN founder and president Scott Berkowitz spoke with USA Today about the newly passed Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act. “…Giving victims access to the same level of care and treatment as they would receive in the U.S. will help them recover more quickly and will encourage more to report their attack to law enforcement.” Read the entire interview

Berkowitz was quoted in a recent Washington Post column about the new Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act. He praised the legislation and mentioned how further action could improve justice for victims even more. Read the entire article

Berkowitz was quoted in Newsweek, commenting on Illinois’ new law mandating the testing of rape kits. “…[T] he Illinois law is a major step toward bringing criminals to justice, he says, because it standardizes the process for collecting sexual-assault evidence across the state and requires law-enforcement agencies to keep track of the rape kits they collect.” Read the entire article

Total Beauty, a website that offers health and beauty advice and reviews, recognized RAINN as one of the “23 Charities We Love.”

“RAINN rebuilds the lives of countless victims of sexual violence, serving as a vital support system for those in need. Its prevention and awareness initiatives have made our communities stronger, safer and more secure. I appreciate and commend their commitment and hope RAINN will continue to have a healing impact for the thousands of children and adults who are affected by violence each year.”

“Alaska has the highest rates of sexual assault and domestic violence in the nation. As a born and raised Alaskan and the senior Senator from my state, I am not proud to report these statistics; however, it is a reality that cannot be ignored. At every level — local, state, and federal — we must work to turn the tide of domestic violence and sexual assault. Domestic violence and sexual assault advocates, and service providers in Alaska are on the front lines of an epidemic, and I know that RAINN is an important resource for them. Thank you for the work that you do.”

~ Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

For your birthday this year, consider asking for donations to your favorite charity in lieu of gifts!

It’s easy – create a RAINNmaker page where your friends & family can make donations in your honor. After your birthday, RAINN will let you know how many victims were helped through your generosity.

Create your RAINNMaker page now

Renee DeVesty, a new member of RAINN’s Speakers Bureau, says she joined the program to increase awareness about the psychological damage rape has on individuals. By sharing her story, DeVesty hopes to encourage victims of sexual assault to no longer live in fear and silence, but to heal and start over again

DeVesty has been active in communities as an advocate for ending violence against women. She is currently a high school youth leader. She has been featured on National Public Radio and been a guest speaker at events such as the Vagina Monologues and Junior Achievement’s Young Women’s Symposium. She is devoted to assisting victims of rape “reclaim their lives,” improve their self-esteem and self-image, and see themselves as survivors, not victims.

Across Indian Country, violent crimes happen at 2.5 times the national average, and some studies estimate that one out of every three Indian women will be raped in their lifetime.

The Tribal Law and Order Act, passed by the U.S. Congress, requires that tribal and federal officers serving Indian Country be trained in interviewing victims of sexual assault and collecting evidence at crime scenes, as lack of evidence is among the reasons that federal justice officials have cited in declining to prosecute cases. President Obama signed the bill into law today.

"Being an artist who prefers painting in the fresh air, when the weather is dreary, I take extra shifts on the hotline – for me, rain outside means RAINN inside! I enjoy helping visitors realize that despite the challenges they are enduring, they have the power to reclaim their lives. I hope that by recognizing how courageous they are, and by knowing that RAINN is there to support them, they will be inspired to take further steps toward healing. Along with volunteering, I attend and help organize community forums on sexual assault education and prevention, as well as donate a portion of the proceeds from my artwork sales to RAINN."

Learn more about volunteering

Have you friended RAINN on MySpace? Through our profile, supporters have the opportunity to learn more about RAINN and its programs, make a donation, volunteer or view our latest PSAs with just one click

As the new school year fast approaches, RAINN’s MySpace page offers downloadable materials, such as banners and talking points, to use on campus and around the community to raise awareness about sexual assault

Connect with RAINN now by adding us as a friend