The holiday season can be an exciting time to gather together with family and friends, but it can also be a stressful time of year for many survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. Self care is important year-round, but especially during the holiday season, when some survivors experience...
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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 | November 01, 2019
Barriers to Reporting in Indigenous Communities
Indigenous people in the U.S. face higher rates of sexual violence than the general population, and the majority of these sexual assaults are perpetrated by individuals outside of indigenous communities. During Native American History Month this November, RAINN is looking at some of the barriers to...
Latest News | November 01, 2019
RAINN Media Trainings Help Prepare Survivors to Share Their Stories
The RAINN Speakers Bureau is a network of over 3,500 survivors of sexual violence from across the nation who volunteer to share their stories to raise awareness and let other survivors know they’re not alone. Every survivor is an expert in their own story, but for many, it can be hard to talk about...
Latest News | October 31, 2019
Support Veterans and Loved Ones this November
This November, RAINN honors veterans and all members of the DoD community for their service. Veteran’s Day is a time when many members of the military, veterans, and their loved ones celebrate their service and sacrifices—but it can also be a difficult moment for those who have experienced trauma,...
Latest News | October 31, 2019
Longtime Supporter on Why RAINN is a Go-To Resource 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 Rochelle Rubin, executive director of the...