RAINN x The 19th: Embedded Journalism Brings Survivor Advocacy Into Public View

“[Sexual misconduct in Congress] has got to stop happening. And when it does happen, we’ve got to do something about it a lot quicker and not wait for victims to come forward to a reporter.”

– Scott Berkowitz, founder and president, RAINN

Read the Story on The 19th Opens in a new tab↗

The Need: Responsible Journalism Can Help People See Advocacy in Action

We can’t change laws, systems, or culture if people never see what change-making looks like.

That’s why The 19th, an independent nonprofit newsroom, embedded journalist Grace Panetta with RAINN during our 2026 Congressional Day of Action: to bring public attention to survivor-centered advocacy.

At RAINN, we call that Strength To Care: using your personal experiences, earned insights, and acquired skills to help STOP sexual violence, even when it’s hard.

The Action: The 19th Provided Trustworthy, Survivor-Centered Reporting

Meaningful media engagement does not happen by accident. For Congressional Day of Action, RAINN brought together survivor advocates, policy experts, public figures, and lawmakers to push for urgent federal action. 

Embedding a journalist in that environment required care.

• RAINN’s role included coordinating access to staff and survivors, preparing and supporting survivor advocates to engage with a reporter, providing context on the issue, and creating the conditions for ethical reporting without directing the story. 

• The 19th’s reporting followed the day as it unfolded: survivor advocates preparing to lobby lawmakers, lawmakers responding to a charged political moment, and RAINN pushing for policy solutions that could reduce harm and increase accountability.

• This work showed how media can do more than report on sexual violence after a crisis. Responsible journalism can help the public understand the people, policy work, and sustained advocacy required to change what happens next. It also gives the public the chance to be part of that change.

RAINN’s Guide To Reporting on Sexual Violence

Clear, actionable recommendations for journalists, editors, producers, and standards teams.

Download Now 

Why This Media Embed Worked

Good journalism does more than tell people what happened; it helps them understand why.

The 19th’s embedded reporting captured something a press release never could: the emotional and civic weight of survivor advocates showing up on Capitol Hill while Congress confronted sexual misconduct within its own institution.

The 19th’s reporting connected that real-time crisis to the larger fight for survivor justice, helping to drive a broader public conversation about the actions Congress can take to help prevent sexual violence and ensure survivors can access the justice and healing they deserve.

The Impact: Embedded Reporting Helped Bring Survivor Advocacy Into Public View

When advocacy becomes visible, more people can understand how to get involved. The 19th’s embedded reporting helped people see the full ecosystem of action:

• RAINN staff coordinated a day designed around advocacy, care, and impact.

• Survivor advocates came prepared to share their personal experiences.

• Lawmakers heard directly from survivors affected by the issues before them.

• A trusted newsroom documented the stakes for a wider public audience.

• Readers encountered sexual violence as an issue that is ripe for action.

5 Insights for Media Outlets

The 19th’s reporting offers a model for media members who want to cover sexual violence, survivor advocacy, and policy change responsibly.

1. Respect editorial independence and survivor autonomy. The 19th retained editorial control, while RAINN coordinated access and supported participants. That balance helped protect the integrity of the reporting and the dignity of the advocates involved.
2. Cover the systems, not only the crisis. Sexual violence stories often focus on individual harm after it happens. This engagement highlighted how systems can prevent harm, improve response, ensure support is funded, and hold perpetrators accountable.
3. Understand that survivors are more than their trauma. The 19th recognized survivor advocates as civic leaders, policy advocates, experts, and change-makers.
4. Connect personal stories to public action. The strongest reporting on sexual violence centers on survivors and prioritizes community action.
5. Present a clear path forward. The 19th helped readers see that change requires people just like you to show up, speak out, and step in with everyday acts of care and courage.

RAINN’s Guide To Reporting on Sexual Violence

Clear, actionable recommendations for journalists, editors, producers, and standards teams.

Download Now 

The Ask: Use Your Media Presence To Move People Toward Action

News media cannot replace survivor services, policy advocacy, prevention education, or institutional accountability. But the media can help more people understand the scope and complexity of sexual violence—and what needs to be done.

Ask yourself: What platform, access, skill, relationship, or responsibility do I have that could help someone else understand the stakes of sexual violence and take the next step toward change?

Whatever your answer, we invite you to join the movement demanding prevention, justice, and healing for everyone.

Join Our Community

Join the Fight for a World Free from Sexual Violence

Sign up for inspiring stories, important updates from RAINN, and tools to take action in your community.

LinkedIn

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

I agree to receive email and text updates. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out.

Email(Required)

Zip / Postal Code(Required)

ZIP / Postal Code

Phone(Required)

Show Support

Whether you’re a survivor yourself or know someone who is, your compassionate support can profoundly impact someone’s healing journey. Here’s how.

Take Action

Show up, speak out, and step in. Learn more about how you can add your voice, fight for justice, and help RAINN move its mission forward for survivors.