Finding support just became easier for the thousands of people who turn to Google each day looking for information and resources related to sexual assault. RAINN and Google have joined forces to connect those impacted by sexual violence with confidential support from the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org).

Google now features a specialized search result featuring the National Sexual Assault Hotline when users perform searches related to rape and sexual violence. The National Sexual Assault Hotline will appear prominently along with contact information (800.656.HOPE and online chat), languages supported (English and Spanish), and RAINN’s website.

“We want to make it easier for as many rape and sexual assault survivors as possible to find the help they need when they use Google Search,” said Laura Wittig, Program Manager for User Advocacy at Google.

After several months of collaboration and development with Google, the National Sexual Assault Hotline information will now appear across all platforms: in mobile, tablet, and desktop, in browsers and in the Google app. Currently, half of all visitors to RAINN’s website use mobile devices to access information and help.

“For many, turning to Google is the first step in looking for information and resources,” explained Jodi Omear, RAINN’s vice president for communications. “We are thrilled to be working with Google to help further reduce barriers for survivors of sexual violence and look forward to continuing our partnership and exploring new ways to use technology to help survivors.” 

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a safe, confidential service for survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones to access support and important information. Since the National Sexual Assault Hotline launched in 1994, more than 2.2 million people have turned to the hotline for support via telephone (800.656.HOPE) and online chat (online.rainn.org). In 2015, the National Sexual Assault Hotline helped more than 157,000 people; in Q1 2016, hotline usage is up 20% over last year.

Samentha Moore, a three-time survivor of sexual assault featured in RAINN’s new campaign, the RAINN Survivor Series, experienced shame and guilt from what had happened. It was difficult to talk about, but after researching resources, she found support from RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline. She eventually contacted RAINN’s confidential, secure online chat: “Sometimes typing [what happened] is actually easier until you’re ready to talk about it.” To learn more about the National Sexual Assault Hotline and RAINN’s programs to educate the public about sexual violence and improve the criminal justice system, visit rainn.org.

About RAINN

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. The hotlines have helped more than 2.2 million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs dedicated to preventing sexual violence, supporting victims and ensuring that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.