RAINN is once again partnering with Google to ensure that survivors of sexual violence get the support they need and deserve through the National Sexual Assault Hotline and rainn.org.
As part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), Google released Me Too Rising, a visualization of the global #MeToo movement through Google Trends data. On the site, which today is featured on google.com, users can explore the spread of #MeToo over time as it has unfolded in each city across the globe. Google is also partnering with Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement.
Additionally, Google announced a $250,000 gift to RAINN to provide increased support to survivors through the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which has helped more than 2.7 million people since 1994.
Last year, RAINN’s victim services programs helped a record 209,480 survivors and their loved ones. As #MeToo has spread, the number of people reaching out for help has continued to increase. In the first quarter of 2018, RAINN’s programs helped 46% more people than in the prior year.
Support specialists are available by phone (800.656.HOPE) and online chat in English and Spanish. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. The telephone hotline is operated in partnership with 1,000 local service providers.
“#MeTooRising shows how this important conversation has taken flight and spread to communities around the globe,” said Scott Berkowitz, president and founder of RAINN. “We’re grateful for our continued partnership with Google to provide support and resources to survivors and their loved ones. Their generous support will make it possible for us to help thousands more survivors.”
RAINN previously joined forces with Google to donate online advertising and to make finding support easier for those searching Google for information and resources related to sexual assault and sexual harassment. Google now features a specialized search result featuring the National Sexual Assault Hotline when users perform searches related to sexual violence.