The 2016 presidential election has put sexual violence front and center. To ensure that it becomes a national priority, not just a campaign talking point, RAINN supporters are calling on the next president to help.

The Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act, passed on September 6 through the House, takes a clear stand that survivors should have full access to sexual assault forensic exams and forensic evidence collection kits.

A new study supports what RAINN has been telling state and federal policymakers for decades: a more robust DNA database leads to lower crime rates.

RAINN’s policy department has joined a team of national experts selected by the Justice Department to support states’ work to address and end the backlog of untested and unanalyzed rape kits.

Judge Perksy imposed a sentence of only six months on Brock Turner—a sentence far less than the six years recommended by prosecutors, and only one-quarter of the normal two-year minimum sentence.

This important bill prioritizes rape kit testing, expands DNA use, and helps the innocent. Recently passed by the Senate, the bill now heads to House.

By passing two anti-sexual violence laws this year, Hawaii is setting an example for state legislators across the nation.

RAINN's vice president for public policy spoke at a Capitol Hill press conference urging swift action on the bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act (CASA), alongside survivor advocates and lawmakers.

Members of the Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus joined advocates and officials from across the country to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and to honor those who have dedicated their lives to promoting justice for victims. 

Thanks to pro bono help from law firm Hogan Lovells, RAINN’s Defining Consent database helps provide a detailed answer, customized for every state, to the common question: What exactly is consent?