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

The 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

Precious: 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.

If 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 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.

“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)

“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)

“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!"

RAINN’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.)

Are 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.

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.