RAINN Endeavors To Make the World a Better Place

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, leading the effort to stop sexual violence and improve the lives of those who live with the consequences. RAINN provides services for victims and survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. RAINN is the only national organization with specialized staff available to help you 24/7.

History

RAINN was founded in 1994 by Scott Berkowitz, whose sister was a victim of sexual assault. The organization’s first program, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, was established in partnership with the Department of Defense to provide victims with immediate assistance and to encourage them to report their assaults to law enforcement. Today, it serves as the only federally funded hotline dedicated solely to helping victims of sexual assault. More details are available on Facebook

Services

In addition to its National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org), RAINN developed the first online hotline in 2000 and expanded the hotline services to provide secure, anonymous crisis support for victims of any type of rape, sexual assault, or child sexual abuse. Today, those services serve as a model for countries around the world.

Among its many programs, RAINN also operates 1-800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org (the National Sexual Assault Hotline) through a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rape Prevention and Education Program (RPE program). The goal is to provide survivors with information about options and resources available in their community.

RAINN is a leader in online engagement and has launched several digital programs. The support services at online.rainn.org are used by more than 800,000 visitors each month, and the website also features a blog offering survivors resources and guidance to cope with their trauma, as well as a variety of educational resources for parents and educators. RAINN has been recognized by The President’s Interagency Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault as a key partner in addressing the issue of sexual violence on college campuses.