“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.

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.

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.

In the just-released, Start by Believing, Peabody Award-winning investigative journalists John Barr and Dan Murphy take a deep-dive into the largest sexual abuse scandal in American sports history, perpetrated by Olympic gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. We sat down with the authors to learn more about what they discovered in their two-and-a-half years of investigation into the case.

“While our thoughts are with the families of all of the victims of the January 26 helicopter crash, we are deeply concerned by The Washington Post’s actions in placing Felicia Sonmez on administrative leave for sharing an article detailing an allegation of sexual assault in Kobe Bryant’s past.”

“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