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“If I had 30 seconds to speak directly to lawmakers, I would tell them that the systems we tell survivors to trust are not safe enough for survivors to rely on. I would tell them, ‘What you do matters. What you say matters. Your tone matters. Your body language matters. Whether you believe us matters.’” 

– Emily Tavarez, survivor

Explore the Laws in Your State

Learn your state’s laws so you can advocate for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

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RAINN works with lawmakers across the country to advance survivor-centered legislation that prevents sexual violence, improves justice, and holds perpetrators accountable.

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Policy Action Updates


RAINN-Backed “Take It Down Act” Passes Congress

April 08, 2025

RAINN-Backed TAKE IT DOWN Act Passes Congress!

April 28, 2025

RAINN Urges Governor Josh Green to Sign Bill to Extend Statutes of Limitations for Sex Crimes in Hawaii

May 13, 2024

RAINN Urges Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to Sign Bill to Close Spousal Rape Loophole

April 25, 2024

Senate Moves To End Rape Kit Backlog

November 03, 2023

RAINN, NY Lawmakers, Miss NY USA, & NY Anti-Sexual Violence Organizations Call on Lawmakers to Close New York’s Voluntary Incapacitation Loophole

October 26, 2023

Why Advocacy?

How does advocacy help build awareness?

The more you talk about the issues, the harder they are to ignore.

Advocacy helps educate communities and lawmakers about the realities of sexual violence.

How does advocacy help prevent sexual violence?

Every prevention-focused bill is an investment in a safer future—one that empowers communities to stop sexual violence before it starts.

How can advocacy improve support for survivors?

Turn compassion into action by promoting policies that reflect the dignity and rights of those affected by sexual violence.

How does advocacy promote justice and accountability?

Legislative advocacy works to change outdated laws, close legal gaps, and ensure every survivor has access to fair treatment under the law.

Join RAINN’s Advocacy Community

Together, we take action when survivor justice is on the line.

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Become a Bold Advocate for Change

Grassroots Advocacy: Your Guide To Impacting Laws

Turn outrage into action through grassroots advocacy. Discover ways to influence legislation, build networks, and create change for survivors of sexual violence.

Scripts & Strategies for Talking to Legislators

Ready to drive real change? Learn how to talk to legislators, advocate for survivors, and make your voice impossible to ignore—no experience required.

For Legislators: Issue Briefs

RAINN’s issue-focused policy memos help lawmakers create and advance meaningful anti-sexual violence legislation.

Contact RAINN’s Policy Team

RAINN works with lawmakers across the country to co-create, advise on, and advocate for survivor-centered legislation. If you’re a legislator or legislative staffer, we’d love to hear from you.

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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.

Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
Chat at RAINN.org/hotline
Text “HOPE” to 64673

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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.