March 2010
 RAINNews
Musician Otep Shamaya Speaks Out Against Violence

Otep

In a new RAINN web video, musician and activist Otep Shamaya shares her own childhood experiences and hopes to inspire her fans and other survivors to reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline for help. Nominated for the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Music Artist, Otep is a rising star in the world of alternative heavy metal and one of CNN's “People You Should Know.”

Read more about Otep's artistic endeavors to fight violence read more

 



RAINN Announces New Board Members

Cybele DaleyTwo prominent Washington leaders, Cybele Daley and Tracy Sefl, have joined RAINN’s board of directors. Before becoming vice president of Van Scoyoc Associates in 2008, Daley was Acting Assistant Attorney General, where she oversaw the Office of Justice Programs and its $2 billion budget. Sefl, senior vice president of Navigators Global, is a political strategist who has been described as “one of the best in the business” by The Tim Russert Show and “tough as nails” by The Washington Post.

Tracy SeflRAINN’s founder and president, Scott Berkowitz, noted how much his new colleagues have already done to fight sexual assault. “We’ve worked closely with Cybele for years to improve the criminal justice response to rape, and she’s been a great ally and advocate. Tracy’s communications expertise and academic background have helped RAINN strengthen its programs and help many more people. Together, their great experience and counsel will help RAINN continue as the country’s leading voice against sexual violence.”

Read more read more


 RAINN in the News
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Visits RAINN.org

Girl with the Dragon TattooThe film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's best-selling novel The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo illustrates the real-life effects of sexual violence on victims and survivors, emphasizing the importance of getting help. To help promote the U.S. premiere of the film, Music Box Films partnered with RAINN and sent fans around the web on a blog hunt — with a stop at RAINN.org.

Join the hunt in this best selling mystery novel read more



Oscar Has Two "Precious" Moments

PreciousPrecious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire received kudos from the academy, winning Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Mo’Nique), and garnering four other nominations including Best Actress (Gabourey Sidibe). The film, directed by Lee Daniels, illustrates the long-term physical, mental and sexual abuse of a 16-year old girl from her mother and father. Obese, illiterate and twice impregnated by her father, Claireece “Precious” Jones is taken under the wing of a new teacher to discover a world of academic and social possibilities. The films executive producers are Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry.



Getting Ready for Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month

SAAPMIf you’re planning an event anywhere in the U.S. or Canada during April’s awareness and prevention month, RAINN would like to help you promote it. Simply submit the details of your event to RAINN and we’ll include it in our national calendar of events. With the help of RAINN’s downloadable resources and web-based promotion, your event is sure to be a success!

Congress in 2003 passed a law designating April as a month devoted to educating the public about sexual assault. This year, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Sen. Robert Casey Jr., and other members of Congress will sponsor a resolution recognizing the vital work of the National Sexual Assault Hotline, the nation’s 1,100+ rape crisis centers, and the tens of thousands of volunteers who work to prevent rape and help victims.



Sixteen Colleges Make V-Day a Day to Help RAINN

VDaySixteen schools and communities throughout the country have chosen to benefit RAINN through their V-Day events. This year, over 4,000 V-Day performances took place around the world, educating millions about the reality of violence against women and benefiting hundreds of organizations that fight for the rights of women every day.

Proceeds will be used to recruit and train hundreds of students to help lead our 2010 RAINN Day event (our annual college education program) and to allow hundreds of victims to receive help through the Online Hotline. A couple highlights:

  • Members of Virginia Commonwealth University’s art department generously donated their work to be auctioned off at VCU’s Vagina Monologues Production.
  • A survivor and member of RAINN’s Speakers Bureau attended the SUNY Purchase performance and proudly accepted a check from production directors Allison Portney and Denise Kelly in front of an audience of hundreds

A big thanks to all who contributed to 2010 V-Day events. To learn how you can help benefit RAINN through V-Day or your own local event, email Emily Lerner.



Lawmakers Making a Difference

Robert Menendez“Sexual violence leaves women with emotional and physical scars and it often leaves families torn apart. This is an issue of saving lives, and we must do everything we can in Congress to implement policy that helps rid our communities of these heinous crimes. I applaud RAINN for its tireless leadership, and look forward to continuing working with it to address this issue.”

~ Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

Susan Collins“I commend RAINN for its dedicated efforts to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault, and its commitment to raising public awareness about these critical issues.  RAINN is a national leader in providing vital resources and services to abuse survivors and helps ensure that they get the help and support they need.  I will continue to support efforts at the federal level to prevent and raise awareness about sexual violence.”

~ Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)



 
 More News
Volunteer Spolight:
Erica Oppenheimer

Claire Blatt“I love to volunteer because it means that I can be there for someone when they really need to talk. Volunteering at RAINN solidified my desire to become a professional counselor. When I talk to the visitors, I feel like I am making a difference in their lives at the time they need it the most. Volunteering gives me energy, makes me feel good, and there is really no better feeling than helping people!"

Learn more about volunteering for RAINN read more



Join RAINN on MySpace

MySpaceRAINN’s new MySpace page allows RAINN supporters and survivors to learn more about our work and how we directly help those in need. You can get help, volunteer, or donate with one click. You can also read about our national spokesperson, Christina Ricci, and even download multimedia materials, such as banners and broadcast PSAs.

Don’t forget to check out RAINN’s online store for the latest gear. Connect with RAINN now by adding us as a friend. (Prefer Facebook? You can friend RAINN here.)



RAINN Materials: Free and Easy to Download

MultimediaAre you willing to volunteer a little time to help educate your community, inform college students or reach out to local media? RAINN offers free and easy-to-use digital materials —all yours with just a click. Visit our multimedia resource center for fact sheets, Get Carded cards, radio and TV PSAs and posters. Then ask your local TV and radio stations to air these PSAs to get vital information out to your community about getting help — or sign up to help with our annual RAINN Day college education program.



Spring Into Action: Help One Victim Today

If you think that a modest donation won’t be enough to actually make a difference, think again. Just $10 today will help one victim receive the help that he or she needs through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

Donate now. Your $10 today will allow one victim to come one step closer to recovery.



 


 Get Help Now

Hotline Ad

 Donate Now

donate


NPSM
Copyright 2010 RAINN | 1.800.656.HOPE | rainn.org