Public Policy & Action
Laws in Your State
From the legal definition of rape to the statute of limitation for a particular sex crime, where you live makes a difference. Here's a guide to the laws in your state.
RAINN Action Center
RAINN Needs Your Voice
Congress needs to hear your voice. #ActWithRAINN to help us protect survivors and prevent sexual violence.
Learn More About the Issues
RAINN's Action Center is full of information on top issues and ways to contact Congress directly. Learn more about legislation that can improve the criminal justice system, support survivors, and bring perpetrators to justice. Follow us on Twitter at @rainnaction to be the first to know about our state policy work. #ActWithRAINN
RAINN Working With Lawmakers
I care about ensuring victims of sexual assault have access to the resources they need for recovery. It's vital that we protect services for all sexual assault victims, and their families, but especially those in rural areas where access to these resources can be limited. I am proud to stand with sexual assault victims and applaud the work of organizations like RAINN who make a positive impact across our communities.
Rep. Tom Reed, R-NY
RAINN provides a critical lifeline and support system to victims of sexual violence, which happens all too often in California and in communities across the country. I’m working hard to... to combat domestic violence and sexual assault, and to pass [legislation] to improve law enforcement’s ability to track sexual assault and prevent violent crimes.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-CA
I commend RAINN for its dedication to provide victims and survivors of sexual assault with the vital services and resources they need and deserve. There is no place in any society for acts of sexual assault. I am proud to raise awareness on this issue and will continue to work in the Senate advocating for legislation combatting sexual violence and helping survivors of these crimes.
Sen. Dean Heller, R-NV
RAINN has long been at the forefront of national efforts to prevent sexual assault and has helped millions of victims, families, friends, and community members — all touched by violent crime. As a former prosecutor, I am proud to support the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization and stand committed to joining RAINN in its efforts to improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-MN
RAINN's great work cannot be overstated and should not be overlooked. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I have been proud to work closely with RAINN to support multiple pieces of legislation that target the perpetrators of sexual violence and protect the victims of these terrible crimes. I look forward to continuing this important partnership with RAINN in the years to come.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX
RAINN is a critical ally in the fight to help victims of sexual assault and violence. I share their commitment to eradicating these heinous crimes by providing survivors with a vast network of support and resources to ensure that they are kept safe and have the tools to recover emotionally and physically. As a long-time advocate against sexual violence, I look forward to continuing to work with RAINN on efforts to bolster prevention, education, and enforcement to ensure a safe and healthy environment for women and families in Connecticut and across the country.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT
DNA and Sexual Violence
When law enforcement investigates a case of sexual violence, DNA evidence can sometimes make or break the outcome.
Learn MoreStatutes of Limitations
When a crime is committed, there is a window of time that a state has to charge the perpetrator. The laws that determine this time frame are called criminal statutes of limitations, and they vary by state, situation, and crime. How does your state stack up?
Learn MoreSexual Assault Laws and Court Decisions
Key federal laws help to prevent sexual violence, allocate critical funds, and establish protections for survivors.
Learn MoreIssues We Work On
RAINN’s Public Policy team works with lawmakers to ensure survivors have access to critical services after sexual assault and to improve the way perpetrators are prosecuted. Learn more about the bills we currently support and other issues.
Learn MoreGuilty Verdict in Weinstein Trial a Victory for Survivors
A New York jury has found movie producer Harvey Weinstein guilty on two counts of felony sex crimes involving two different women. Specifically, he was found guilty of committing a criminal sex act in the first degree, which could lead to a prison sentence between five and 25 years; and rape in the third degree, which carries a sentence ranging from probation to four years in prison. Weinstein will be sentenced on March 11, 2020. “We are grateful that Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty and will be punished for at least some of his crimes,” said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN’s president. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline saw a 23% increase in visitors in the two days after the verdict was announced.
Learn MoreRAINN Working to Secure Federal Funding for Rape Kits, Forensic Nurses
This April, RAINN’s public policy team will be focusing on a few pieces of bipartisan federal legislation vital to getting justice for survivors of sexual violence. As members of Congress meet throughout the month to work on fiscal year 2021 appropriations, “RAINN will be there to make sure that legislators prioritize funding that will give survivors more access to sexual assault forensic nurse examiners and reduces the rape kit backlog,” says Camille Cooper, vice president of public policy.
Learn MoreCritical 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 now headed for the president to be signed into law.
Learn More