Callers to the National Sexual Assault Hotline will now hear a familiar voice greeting them: actress Christina Ricci. Ricci, RAINN's national spokesperson, recorded the menu messages that guide callers to the free, confidential help that the hotline offers to victims of sexual violence.

Ricci’s recordings are one of the most notable changes to the hotline (800.656.HOPE). Behind the scenes, RAINN, along with technology partner Verizon Business, has made major upgrades to ensure that all callers, including cell phone users, have quick access to help from a rape treatment center closest to where they're calling from. Nearly 1,100 rape treatment centers partner with RAINN to provide services to hotline callers.

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The Wall Street Journal recently reported that sexual assaults in New York City were up by 14% in the first five months of 2010. RAINN’s president, Scott Berkowitz, noted that it is too soon to know whether this increase is a short-term statistical blip, an indication that a higher percentage of victims are reporting their attack, or a more worrisome trend.

June’s issue of Glamour magazine recommends A Beautiful World, a memoir by RAINN Speakers Bureau member Gregg Milligan. You may remember Milligan from his appearance on Oprah earlier this year. The Glamour article also highlights the importance of the resources available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

“RAINN’s compassion and advocacy on behalf of those who have suffered unthinkable crimes sets the bar high. As a former prosecutor who has fought in the Senate on behalf of sexual assault victims, I was proud to partner with RAINN to try and help secure federal funding for their National Sexual Assault Hotlines and nationwide rape education and outreach programs. These free, confidential services are vital in the fight against sexual assault.”

“As a longtime supporter of victims’ rights, and the co-author of the Crime Victims’ Rights Act of 2005, I appreciate RAINN’s work for the victims of sexual violence. These heinous crimes must be combated with law enforcement support, resources for victims, and public education to stop the cycle of violence. RAINN has been at the forefront of this issue, not only as a leading advocate, but also a resource, for sexual assault victims.”

~ Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ)

The Office of the Florida Attorney General recently presented RAINN Speakers Bureau member Julie Weil with the "Stamp of Courage" award for her work to inform law enforcement about the tremendous impact of their words and actions after a victim is sexually assaulted. Weil says that law enforcement’s careful handling made an enormous difference in the aftermath of her rape.

Read more of Weil's story

Are you tying the knot this year? Consider including RAINN in your gift registry.

In addition to registering for your favorite home goods, register your wedding with the I Do Foundation and allow your guests to make a donation to RAINN in your honor.

What better way to celebrate your love than by knowing you've helped to make a real difference in someone's life?

RAINN will send personalized thank you letters to those who make a gift in your honor, and will let you know who donated. After all donations from your wedding have been received, we’ll even let you know how many people you’ve helped through the National Sexual Assault Hotline. For help setting up your wedding registry to support RAINN, contact Chelsea Bowers at 202.544.3561.

“It was intimidating at first but I've learned that people mostly just want someone to listen to them and talk with them about what happened and what they can do next. My favorite sessions are the ones when the visitor comes to a revelation, however small, about what happened to them and how they can take the next step in the recovery process.  I help visitors through encouragement and offering the resources we have. It's amazing when that happens and I'm really glad I got the opportunity to join the Online Hotline.  I’ve found the entire experience really inspiring."

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Actress Alison Arngrim, best known for playing the devious Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie, details her experience overcoming sexual abuse in her new memoir Confessions of a Prairie Bitch. Arngrim refers readers to the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN.

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