Policy Center
Visit RAINN’s Policy Center to understand key issues, craft strong laws, create safer communities, and contact our public policy experts.
RAINN’s bipartisan partnerships with U.S. lawmakers help create, advance, and pass legislation that strengthens protections for survivors and holds offenders accountable.
Policy Action Updates
Issues Impacting Your Constituents
Learn how sexual violence affects adults and children in communities nationwide. Together, we can make Americans safer from sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
Nearly every minute,
someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Every nine minutes, that someone is a child. 1Based on the average of the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey 2020-2024.
See More Facts & StatisticsSexual Violence Affects Every Community
An estimated 423,020 people age 12+ experience sexual violence each year in the U.S. The impact of sexual violence goes beyond survivors—hurting families, relationships, and entire communities.
Sexual Violence Causes Ongoing Harm
Survivors of sexual violence are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation and attempts. Social and relationship challenges are common, including struggles at work and school.
Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to use drugs.
• 3.4x more likely to use marijuana
• 6x more likely to use cocaine
• 10x more likely to use other major drugs
2DG Kilpatrick, CN Edumuds, AK Seymour. Rape in America: A Report to the Nation. Arlington, VA: National Victim Center and Medical University of South Carolina (1992). See More Facts & Statistics98% of perpetrators walk free.
For every 1000 sexual assaults, 50 reports lead to arrests, 28 cases lead to felony convictions, and only 25 perpetrators are sentenced to incarceration. 3Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System, 2012-2016 (2017).
See More Facts & StatisticsSurvivors Rarely Receive Justice
Approximately 33% of survivors report to the police, yet less than 3% of perpetrators are sentenced to prison. And because most (up to 93%) assailants are not strangers, survivors are often faced with living in the same community as the person who assaulted them.
Strengthen Your State’s Laws
Explore our legislative memos and get a comprehensive look at today’s most pressing sexual violence issues.
Get help crafting legislation for…
Explore RAINN’s State Law Database
From CSAM to SOLs, RAINN tracks anti-sexual violence laws across all 50 states, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Help Your Constituents Get Support
We collaborate with over 1,100 local organizations nationwide to deliver support services and essential resources through RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline and the Department of Defense’s Safe Helpline.
Share RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673), chat at RAINN.org/hotline, or text “HOPE” to 64673.
Share the DoD Safe Helpline
DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. Call 877.995.5247 or visit safehelpline.org.
Discover Your Local Support Programs
Search RAINN’s list of independent sexual assault service providers (SASPs), including National Sexual Assault Hotline affiliate organizations. These programs are dedicated to helping survivors in your area.
Join Our Community
Join the Fight for a World Free from Sexual Violence
Sign up for inspiring stories, important updates from RAINN, and tools to take action in your community.
