A huge thanks to everyone who showed their support by sending a valentine to a hotline volunteer. RAINN’s dedicated volunteers received more than 1,400 messages of hope, courage, and gratitude.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, some of the 40 million Americans who use online dating services or dating apps will be looking to make new connections. Whether meeting someone online or off, it’s good to keep safety in mind. Sexual violence can happen to anyone, including those who meet through dating apps.

Since 2011, DoD Safe Helpline services have been a trusted resource for survivors who have yet to disclose or report their sexual assault. According to the FY18 DoD Safe Helpline Annual Report, 56% of adult sexual assault survivors who came to Safe Helpline had not yet reported their assault to military authorities, while 24% of victims had not yet disclosed their assault to anyone.

Each month, RAINN highlights a member of its National Leadership Council (NLC). The NLC is a group of dedicated individuals who have shown their commitment to RAINN’s mission of supporting survivors and ending sexual violence. This month we checked in with survivor, advocate, and philanthropist Marci Matthews.

“The Friday and Saturday after 'Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning' aired, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline experienced a 40% increase in calls. We are proud to have partnered with Lifetime on this project and are encouraged that our work with the media continues to empower survivors of sexual violence to seek the help that they need to heal.” - Erinn Robinson, RAINN Press Secretary

During National Stalking Awareness Month this January, RAINN is bringing attention to different forms of stalking and some warning signs that you may be experiencing stalking. “The majority of stalking is perpetrated by someone the victim knows, often a current or former romantic partner. Whether it’s in-person or online, stalking is never acceptable behavior,” says Keeli Sorensen, RAINN’s vice president of victim services.

Each month, RAINN features a member of its National Leadership Council (NLC). The NLC is a group of dedicated individuals who have shown their commitment to RAINN’s mission of supporting survivors and ending sexual violence. This month we checked in with journalist, editor, entrepreneur, activist, Jacqui Cheng.

Congress reauthorized the nation’s primary DNA testing program through 2024. The U.S. Senate voted to renew the Debbie Smith Act, which has increased the use of DNA and has led to more than 192,000 DNA matches in CODIS (the FBI’s DNA database system). The bill had already passed the House, and is now headed for the president to be signed into law.

Each month, RAINN features a member of its National Leadership Council (NLC). The NLC is a group of dedicated individuals who have shown their commitment to RAINN’s mission of supporting survivors and ending sexual violence. This month we checked in with author, and RAINN supporter, Jen Sincero.

How has RAINN kept the National Sexual Assault Hotline free, secure, and available 24/7 to serve over 3 million survivors and their loved ones during the past 25 years? That, along with providing funding for RAINN’s work educating the public and improving public policy, is the job of RAINN’s development team.