Members of LGBTQ communities in the U.S. face higher rates of sexual violence than the general population. While many survivors face barriers that may prevent them from reporting sexual violence, such as the fear of being judged or not believed, members of LGBTQ communities often face additional barriers to reporting or getting help. “No one should be denied access to these crucial resources because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” says Sorensen. “All survivors of sexual violence should have access to the support they deserve.”

The COVID-19 crisis has upended life in every home across the country—especially for children. For most, being away from school and daycare means more time at home with loving families, but some children are having the opposite experience. Since March, more than half of those reaching out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline have been minors, and of those who talked about their coronavirus-related concerns, 3 out of 4 said they were living with the person who was abusing them during the quarantine.

Survivors of sexual violence continue to express fears about their safety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline cite a number of concerns and challenges posed by the virus and its resulting restrictions. “RAINN continues to see more visitors to the National Sexual Assault Hotline looking for support and safety planning as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN’s president. “As states ease their stay-at-home orders, we expect to see an increase in demand for assistance as survivors have greater privacy and freedom of movement to reach out for help. RAINN has been increasing staffing to prepare for this expected surge and to ensure we can be there for survivors when they need us most.”

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

“We are pleased that the court today recognized the seriousness of Harvey Weinstein’s crimes and sentenced him to significant prison time. We are grateful for all of the brave women who spoke out about Weinstein’s abuse. This case—and the national reckoning about the pervasiveness of sexual violence it sparked—will have a lasting legacy. We hope that survivors will feel encouraged to come forward, knowing that it can truly make a difference in bringing perpetrators to justice.” — Scott Berkowitz, president, RAINN

A New York jury has found movie producer Harvey Weinstein guilty on two counts of felony sex crimes involving two different women. Specifically, he was found guilty of committing a criminal sex act in the first degree, which could lead to a prison sentence between five and 25 years; and rape in the third degree, which carries a sentence ranging from probation to four years in prison. Weinstein will be sentenced on March 11, 2020. “We are grateful that Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty and will be punished for at least some of his crimes,” said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN’s president. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline saw a 23% increase in visitors in the two days after the verdict was announced.

“We are grateful that Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty and will be punished for at least some of his crimes. We thank the survivors for their strength and resilience in the face of appalling treatment by the defense, which attempted to shift blame to anyone but Weinstein, the perpetrator. We hope that survivors everywhere will feel encouraged to come forward knowing that juries — and society — will believe them.” 

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.