In honor of RAINN’s 25th anniversary, each month we’ll be taking a closer look at the people and programs that are essential in our work to help survivors today and every day. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on RAINN’s volunteer program.

Millions of Americans and their families feel the effects of trauma on mental health each year, and a portion of those people are survivors of sexual violence. Mental Health Awareness Month this May is a time to reflect on how to support those in your life who experience difficulties with mental health, reduce stigma around seeking treatment, and advocate for equal access to care.

Individuals and communities across the country recognize Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (#SAAPM) each April. This year, as RAINN reflects on 25 years of helping survivors, we’re making this April not only about awareness, but action.

Over the weekend Leaving Neverland, a documentary about allegations of child sexual abuse against Michael Jackson, debuted on HBO. It was followed by Oprah Winfrey Presents: After Neverland. RAINN worked with HBO and OWN to provide resources for anyone watching the shows who has been affected by sexual violence.

Debbie Smith Act Leads to 192,000 DNA Matches

The Debbie Smith Act (DSA), the federal government’s primary tool to eliminate the backlog of untested DNA evidence from unsolved rape cases, is responsible for nearly half of all matches to the FBI’s DNA database, CODIS. Now, Congress is about to consider whether to renew the program for five more years.

A bipartisan group of representatives has introduced a House Resolution to encourage state legislatures to support sexual assault kit reform legislation to ensure the collection and timely testing of sexual assault kits—sometimes called “Rape Kits.” Part of the resolution will be to make sure sexual assault victims have the right to a sexual assault advocate and the ability to track their sexual assault kit results.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, but dating violence can happen at any age, and that’s why it is important to be able to recognize what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable in a relationship. While there are no guaranteed ways to prevent abuse or assault, there are some basic safety tips people can keep in mind when interacting over the internet or meeting in-person.

RAINN’s president, Scott Berkowitz, has joined the advisory council for Match Group, which runs Tinder and other dating platforms. He will be part of their advisory council, bringing together leading industry experts to maximize the safety of millions of users worldwide. "I am honored to join the Match Group Advisory Council (MGAC) and am pleased that Match Group has taken this step to proactively address safety,” said Berkowitz.

RAINN today received a $2 million grant from CBS to continue its efforts to help survivors of sexual assault through its victim services programs. "Ending sexual violence takes everyone working together. This generous support will make it possible for us to help tens of thousands more survivors," says Scott Berkowitz, president and founder of RAINN.