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...
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Latest News| Jul 8, 2019
Rape Kit Law at Risk of Expiring Unless Congress Acts
The federal law that helps state crime labs test tens of thousands of rape kits every year, the Debbie Smith Act, will expire this fall unless Congress acts to renew it. Since 2005, there have been more than 455,000 matches of crime scene evidence to offenders’ DNA. Of these matches, 42 percent—more than four out of every 10—are the result of testing made possible by Debbie Smith Act grants.
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Jul 08, 2019
Closer Look: RAINN’s Victim Services Programs
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 victim services team.
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Jul 08, 2019
NLC Member Highlight: Peter Church
Each month, RAINN features 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 longtime supporter, Peter Church.
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May 03, 2019
Trauma and Mental Health
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.
Learn More Latest News | February 04, 2019
Bipartisan House Resolution Encourages Sexual Assault Kit Reform
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...
Latest News | February 04, 2019
Tips this Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
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...
Latest News | January 07, 2019
Feel Secure Online: Social Media, Dating Apps, and Technology
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...
Latest News | December 14, 2018
CBS Awards RAINN $2 Million to Help Survivors of Sexual Assault
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,"...