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...
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Latest News| Jun 19, 2020
For Many Black Survivors, Reporting Raises Complicated Issues
According to Department of Justice statistics, Black girls and women 12 years and older experienced higher rates of rape and sexual assault than white, Asian, and Latina girls and women from 2005-2010. Not only do members of the Black communitty experience higher rates of sexual violence, but they often feel they have few options for seeking justice and help due to a number of widespread institutional and historical factors. “If I could say one thing to other Black survivors right now, it would be,’ You matter and there is help,’” said Sonya, survivor and RAINN Speakers Bureau member.
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Jun 19, 2020
Barriers to Reporting Sexual Violence in LGBTQ Communities
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.”
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Jun 17, 2020
RAINN Shares Recommendations for Additional Police Reforms with Congressional Leadership
Black girls are disproportionately represented in juvenile justice data. According to research, “Black girls are 14% of the youth population, but are 33% of girls who are detained and committed. Seventy-six percent of justice-involved girls have physical and sex abuse histories.”As Congress considers police reform legislation, RAINN has urged House and Senate leaders to include a number of additional reforms to address issues that disproportionately impact Black victims of sexual violence.
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Jun 19, 2020
Author of New Children’s Book on Healing and Exploring Identity
In the just-released children’s book, The Ship We Built, author Lexie Bean tells the story of a transgender boy, Rowan, learning to embrace his own identity while healing from child sexual abuse. Based on the author’s own experiences, The Ship We Built tells a tender and nuanced story that can help children—and people of all ages—understand their own identities and how they can support others who are discovering theirs while healing. RAINN’s Christy Rozek recently sat down (virtually) with Lexie to learn more about their story as a survivor and author.
Learn More Latest News | January 29, 2020
A First Step for Survivors: DoD Safe Helpline
Since 2011, DoD Safe Helpline services have been a trusted resource for survivors who have yet to disclose or report their sexual assault. According to the FY18 DoD Safe Helpline Annual Report, 56% of adult sexual assault survivors who came to Safe Helpline had not yet reported their assault to...
Latest News | January 29, 2020
RAINN Supporter on the Importance of Talking with Kids About Sexual Abuse
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 survivor, advocate, and philanthropist...
Latest News | January 28, 2020
RAINN Statement on Washington Post's Suspension of Felicia Sonmez
“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.”
Latest News | January 07, 2020
Surviving R. Kelly Part II Leads to 40% Increase in Calls to National Sexual Assault Hotline
“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...