RAINN Policy Reports

Explore RAINN's policy priorities, celebrate the latest wins, and take action on critical legislation.

The RAINN Policy Report keeps you connected to the state and federal laws that help survivors and bring perpetrators to justice.


September 2024: The Laws Don’t Make Themselves! Here’s How RAINN Pushes Policy All Year

What's inside:

  • Go behind the scenes with a RAINN policy advocate
  • SHIELD Act - ACTION NEEDED
  • TAKE IT DOWN Act - ACTION NEEDED
  • DEFIANCE Act - ACTION NEEDED
  • Indiana statute of limitations reform - ACTION NEEDED

>>> READ THE SEPTEMBER 2024 POLICY REPORT


August 2024: Bold Bipartisan Action Brings Victims’ Voices to the Forefront

What's inside:

  • Victims' VOICES Act - PASSED
  • Massachusetts abuse accountability bill - PASSED
  • Ohio spousal rape loophole bill - PASSED
  • TAKE IT DOWN Act - ACTION NEEDED
  • Oklahoma involuntary pelvic exams bill - ACTION NEEDED
  • RAINN attends the National Conference of State Legislators

>>> READ THE AUGUST 2024 POLICY REPORT


July 2024: RAINN Marks Major Wins for DNA Backlog, Statute of Limitations

What's inside:

  • The Debbie Smith Act – PASSED 
  • The DEFIANCE Act – PASSED
  • The SHIELD Act – PASSED
  • Massachusetts DNA exception bill – ACTION NEEDED
  • Hawaii statute of limitations bill – PASSED
  • Michigan statute of limitations package – ACTION NEEDED

>>> READ THE JULY 2024 POLICY REPORT


Comments? Questions? Policy tips?

Contact RAINN’s policy team at policy@rainn.org.

Write effective legislation with RAINN's policy memos


If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or online at hotline.RAINN.org.