RAINN

RAINN released the following statement after former Rep. Matt Gaetz announced that he has withdrawn from consideration to be Attorney General: “Make no mistake that this decision was in response to survivors and advocates using their voices to demand accountability, and because of the courage of members of Congress who refused to endorse this pick,” said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN president and founder. “RAINN called for the sex trafficking allegations against Gaetz to be thoroughly investigated since this nomination was announced. We could not reconcile the Justice Department — the department responsible for providing survivors with avenues for justice — being led by an alleged abuser of women. RAINN heard you, Matt Gaetz heard you, and survivors will not be silenced.” “For the other nominees facing allegations of sexual assault: We ask the relevant Senate committees to gather and consider all the facts before voting on any such nomination,” said Berkowitz. “Sexual assault happens to someone in the U.S. every 68 seconds. It occurs in our places of business, our schools, our doctors’ offices; urban or rural, in private and in public. Every single political appointee will have to confront their role in sexual assault response, prevention and recovery. And it starts now.” “This is not the end,” said Jennifer Simmons Kaleba, vice president of communications for RAINN. “Mr. Gaetz may have stepped down, but he is not the only nominee facing sexual assault allegations. We’re seeing what survivors already know—when individuals, especially those nominated for some of the highest public offices in our nation, are accused of sexual assault and are promoted without fully considering the allegations, everyone suffers. Not only does this reinforce the important role the Senate plays in vetting and voting on nominations, it underscores how critical it is that survivors speak up, speak out and be heard. Change is possible — we saw it happen today.” For any survivors for whom this is a difficult time, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline stands ready with free, confidential, 24/7 support for survivors and their loved ones in English and in Spanish at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and hotline.rainn.org.

?? Today marks #EndChildSexualAbuseDay, a vital reminder of the need to protect and empower children in every space they occupy. A crucial part of this effort lies in how K-12 schools are addressing their obligations under Title IX. RAINN’s latest article written by Danise Kimball, Senior Manager of Consulting at RAINN Consulting Group, includes a Title IX readiness checklist and highlights schools' responsibility to ensure that every student has a safe space to learn and grow. Together, we can help ensure that all children are provided the safe and supportive educational experiences they deserve. #EndChildSexualAbuse #TitleIX #ChildSafety #Education #RAINN #ProtectOurYouth #SaferSchools #ChildSafeguarding

?? A heartfelt thank you to Anna Kendrick! ?? We are incredibly grateful to Anna for donating her salary from Woman of the Hour to RAINN and the National Center for Victims of Crime. Her generosity not only supports survivors of sexual violence but also raises awareness about the vital resources and advocacy we provide. It's inspiring to see public figures use their platforms for good, and Anna's commitment will help us continue to provide free, 24/7 support through?RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline. Together, we can create a world where every survivor is supported and heard. Thank you, Anna, for your kindness and leadership! ?? If?you?or?someone?you?know?has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visiting?hotline.RAINN.org. #ThankYou #RAINN #SurvivorSupport #Advocacy #AnnaKendrick #Netflix #WomanoftheHour

?? We are thrilled to announce that RAINN's 30th anniversary PSA video is up for a #ShortyImpact Award in the #PSA and #PublicSafety categories! This recognition isn't just a win for us—it's a powerful moment to amplify the voices of survivors and highlight our commitment to spreading hope, community, and justice. Here’s how you can help: ??? Vote for RAINN in both the PSA and Public Safety categories daily through October 29th! The link is below and your votes will help us champion survivor voices everywhere. https://lnkd.in/g-peTEZ4 Join us in celebrating this milestone and pushing for impactful change. Together, we can create a world free from sexual violence! ?? https://lnkd.in/g-peTEZ4

Let's give a warm welcome to Eric Barreras! Eric joined us as the Vice President of the Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline this past month and has dedicated his career to serving the Department of Defense community with his expertise in anti-sexual violence work. Eric has worked with the US Army, United States Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Center for SafeSport, Maritime Administration (MARAD), and more on sexual assault prevention, investigation, and response. "I've always had a strong desire to serve others, in and out of uniform. I'm eager to dive into this new role, with hopes of ensuring there is always a safe space for military connected victims/survivors. Words will never be able to fully convey how grateful I am for this opportunity." #Welcome #Growth #Leadership

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, and at RAINN, we’re reflecting on the importance of mental health for everyone—survivors, supporters, staff, and advocates alike. Healing isn’t just physical; it’s mental and emotional too. We encourage everyone to take a day for themselves today. Whether that means seeking support, taking a walk, meditating, or simply checking in with yourself. Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all, it could be as simple as setting boundaries, journaling your thoughts, or finding joy in small moments. Whatever it looks like for you, today is a reminder to slow down, prioritize your needs, and recharge. By caring for ourselves, we empower our ability to care for others. Let’s break the stigma around mental health and remind ourselves that we’re all deserving of care, healing, and peace. If you or someone you know needs help, RAINN is here. For self-care tips specifically designed for survivors, visit: https://lnkd.in/gzBUYK8c

?? With "It Ends With Us" entering millions of homes this month as it becomes available for streaming, RAINN looks back at the complicated questions the film has raised about responsible storytelling. Read this article by Sona Kaur, PhD, Senior Manager of Consulting at RAINN Consulting Group, to learn more about trauma-informed productions and narratives about sexual violence. #Consulting #WorkWithUs #Entertainment #Production #TraumaInformed #Storytelling #SupportSurvivors

In light of the recent charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs, it’s important to remember that justice for survivors of sexual violence is critical, regardless of the power and privilege of the accused. If you or someone you know needs support, RAINN offers free, confidential help 24/7 through their National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat live at hotline.RAINN.org. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. #SupportSurvivors #RAINN #SexualAssaultAwareness Read more: RAINN Statement https://lnkd.in/eGQV7eai

As part of RAINN's 30th anniversary celebration, we are celebrating all of the incredible milestones in our collective movement to create a world free from sexual violence. This past week, RAINN was at the white house celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Since its founding in 1994, VAWA has been one of the leading comprehensive legislative packages supporting survivors of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Championing VAWA through its reauthorization cycles has been a key component of RAINN's legislative priorities. Together, we've been able to provide unprecedented support for survivors, and here are some of the accomplishments since VAWA has passed. ?More victims are reporting domestic and sexual violence to police, and reports to police are resulting in more arrests. ?All states have reformed their laws to take violence against women more seriously. ?Between 1993 and 2022, annual rates of domestic violence have dropped by 67% percent while rape and sexual assaults have declined by 56%. ?? To learn more about VAWA and RAINN's work, you can go to our website here. https://lnkd.in/g-TisJhk

Holding perpetrators accountable as a means of protecting and supporting survivors is core to RAINN’s 30 years of work for a world free from sexual violence. We’re so proud to have the amicus brief we filed in 2021 used as a powerful example of how no person, regardless of their position of power, should have the authority to discredit, demean and vilify a victim to sway public opinion. On April 23, 2021, RAINN urged the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to consider how a ruling in President Donald Trump’s favor in E. Jean Carroll’s defamation lawsuit against him could have a chilling effect on survivors’ willingness to report sexual assault in the future. Trump claimed that his alleged defamation of Carroll was part of his official job as president. Well, RAINN’s amicus brief argued that Trump’s actions and words couldn’t have had less to do with the job of a president, and that ruling in his favor “would give license to all federal officials to slander and defame their victims with impunity. Such a decision would have a chilling effect on survivors of sexual violence throughout the country and would exacerbate the challenges survivors already face in holding their attackers accountable.” Survivors deserve protection from abusers who seek to silence and defame them. RAINN has helped pass laws that protect survivors in these situations in California, and has active bills to do so in states including Illinois, New Mexico, New York, and Virginia. We are grateful to Del. Karrie Delaney, who also works for RAINN but attended the DNC in her personal capacity as a State Legislator, for carrying the message of RAINN’s amicus brief onto this national stage so that more people know that when powerful offenders are allowed to manipulate public opinion by shaming, degrading, lying, and attacking their victims’ credibility, all victims suffer. #justice #news #spotlight #DNC #DNC2024 #hereforyou #supportsurvivors #actwithrainn