Justice Like Lightning
Survivor: C. Kimberly Toms
The fight to STOP sexual violence starts with survivors and advocates like C. Kimberly Toms speaking truth to power.
Kimberly survived rape, stalking, and tech-enabled sexual abuse by a supervisory special agent in the U.S. Department of State.
“Being filmed without consent and knowing you're being watched constantly—it's a deeply damaging experience,” she shared. “It will always be hard knowing my rape is likely still on video out there somewhere. The nightmares that can cause…! Constantly wondering, When's it going to pop up?”
For 7 years, Kimberly demanded justice, and in 2020, her perpetrator was finally tried and convicted.
“Only about 2.5% of sex offenders are ever convicted and incarcerated, so winning my case against a federal agent felt like a lightning strike,” said Kimberly.
The crime’s severity made the offender eligible for 40 years in prison, but the judge handed down an alarmingly brief sentence of only 11 months.
So, does Kimberly feel she received justice?
“Justice, for me, is knowing that a light has been shined on him.
He's not hidden from view, using a badge to hurt women.”
Share the Facts
Sharing facts about sexual violence—including the rise of tech-enabled sexual abuse—is crucial to breaking down misinformation and fostering informed action.
Misinformation can minimize the seriousness of these issues, making it harder for survivors to seek justice and support.
Tech-enabled sexual abuse is evolving rapidly, and public awareness must keep pace to prevent harm and hold perpetrators accountable.
Many people are unaware of how digital platforms are weaponized to exploit, harass, and silence victims. By sharing facts, we not only equip people with the tools to stay safe online but also push for changes that empower individuals, communities, and policymakers to recognize the need to act and advocate for stronger protections.
Spreading knowledge transforms passive concern into active engagement, making technology safer for everyone.
Real, Radical Advocacy
Survivor: Samantha
In a system that often blames survivors, Samantha leverages her lived experiences and legal expertise to fight back.
In her junior year of college, Samantha survived sexual assault, a traumatic experience shared by over 26% of female undergraduate students. Then, video of the attack surfaced online and in friends’ inboxes, and she knew the perpetrator had gone a step further.
By recording his assault and broadcasting it online, the assailant further subjected Samantha to tech-enabled sexual abuse—a deeply harmful and rapidly growing form of sexual abuse.
“My university did everything they could to help me,” Samantha says of her school’s response to the physical assault. However, administrators were unprepared to address the fallout from the technology-based abuse.
“I raised concerns about the non-consensual images and videos being shared by my perpetrator, but the university was more focused on the physical assault itself—because that’s what was clearly outlined in their policies. Schools should have clear policies and dedicated support systems [to address tech-enable sexual abuse], including hotlines and staff trained to assist with image removal.”
Motivated to help other survivors, Samantha obtained a law degree, passing the bar in 2020. Now, alongside her work as an appellate attorney, she advocates for survivor-centered legislation. As of 2025, Samantha’s testimony and legislative advocacy have helped enact four state laws and one United Nations resolution.
Even if I’m the 50th person to speak up—and even if they don’t listen—I need to know I did everything I could.”
RAINN Day: A Moment of Strength
On RAINN Day, April 8th, join us in a moment of strength. While survivor advocates join RAINN in Washington, DC to urge lawmakers to pass policies that provide protection and justice, you can support their effort by taking a moment of strength wherever you are.
It takes strength to combat sexual violence, but together, we can rededicate ourselves to supporting survivors, fighting for justice, and creating a world free from sexual violence.
Here are some ways to participate:
Take a 68-second moment of strength in recognition of the fact that someone in America is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds
Share the above graphics and resources on social media
Have a conversation with someone and share the facts, the hotline number, or this campaign page
30-Mile Walk Challenge
The 30-Mile Walk Challenge is a powerful nationwide event, and Facebook fundraiser, uniting survivors, advocates, and allies in the fight against sexual violence. This challenge is more than a walk—it’s a movement to raise awareness, show support for survivors, and fund RAINN’s critical services, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Getting started is easy, just click here to start your fundraiser. Then, walk 1 mile a day during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month to raise funds that support survivors and their loved ones.
Whether walking individually or as part of a team, every step you take fuels our work to create a world free from sexual violence.