During National Stalking Awareness Month this January, RAINN is bringing attention to different forms of stalking and some warning signs that you may be experiencing stalking. “The majority of stalking is perpetrated by someone the victim knows, often a current or former romantic partner. Whether...
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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 02, 2020
Journalist and Activist on How to Be There for Survivors
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 journalist, editor, entrepreneur, activist,...
Latest News | December 20, 2019
Critical Rape Kit Backlog Funding Passed By Congress
Congress reauthorized the nation’s primary DNA testing program through 2024. The U.S. Senate voted to renew the Debbie Smith Act, which has increased the use of DNA and has led to more than 192,000 DNA matches in CODIS (the FBI’s DNA database system). The bill had already passed the House, and is...
Latest News | November 25, 2019
Author and RAINN Supporter on Ending Sexual Violence
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 author, and RAINN supporter, Jen Sincero.
Latest News | November 25, 2019
Closer Look: RAINN’s Development Team
How has RAINN kept the National Sexual Assault Hotline free, secure, and available 24/7 to serve over 3 million survivors and their loved ones during the past 25 years? That, along with providing funding for RAINN’s work educating the public and improving public policy, is the job of RAINN’s...