RAINN is working with state agencies to address emergency preparedness and response measures for survivors of sexual violence, particularly children, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During natural disasters and in conflict zones, the prevalence of sexual violence increases,” said Camille Cooper, RAINN’s vice president of public policy. “There are so many things we need to consider in this crisis to ensure that we’re doing all we can to prevent sexual violence and appropriately respond when it does happen.”

As each us face the many ways COVID-19 has affected our communities and everyday lives, we wanted to take a moment to let you know that RAINN continues to be here to support survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones, no matter what. We know that this is a difficult time, and that uncertainty and feeling a lack of control over our lives may feel especially overwhelming for survivors of sexual violence already coping with trauma and stress. If you need to talk, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800.656.HOPE or online.rainn.org. As always, services are free, confidential, and 24/7. Whether you’re a survivor or a loved one, we're here for you.

Each month, RAINN highlights a member of its National Leadership Council. 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 Dr. Sarah Peitzmeier, a researcher, advocate, and RAINN volunteer. "You can't make it happen right now, but you have the privilege of walking beside your loved one as they work to heal themselves," says Dr. Peitzmeier

RAINN Day is an annual day of awareness and action about sexual violence held on college campuses around the country during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (#SAAPM). This year, RAINN Day will be held on Tuesday, April 14.

Anna Wintour and the creators of Broadway’s TINA—The Tina Turner Musical hosted a cocktail reception to benefit RAINN on January 31. A portion of the proceeds from that evening’s performance of the musical—which tells the story of Tina Turner’s triumphs despite her experience of intimate partner violence—will go towards RAINN’s victim services programs to ensure survivors have access to the support they deserve.

This April, RAINN’s public policy team will be focusing on a few pieces of bipartisan federal legislation vital to getting justice for survivors of sexual violence. As members of Congress meet throughout the month to work on fiscal year 2021 appropriations, “RAINN will be there to make sure that legislators prioritize funding that will give survivors more access to sexual assault forensic nurse examiners and reduces the rape kit backlog,” says Camille Cooper, vice president of public policy.

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 E. Desiree Asher, board member of the Child Rescue Coalition.

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.