RAINN

Sexual violence and substance use have a complex relationship, and survivors who use substances face unique barriers to healing. Join us on March 28th for a webinar on how you can work to support survivors of sexual violence in treatment, recovery, and other drug user health settings. Learn practical strategies to provide effective care and support. Visit https://lnkd.in/gSa2-TYH to register.

We need entire communities — starting with schools and districts — to improve the way they respond to AI-enabled child abuse. In our latest article, Sam Wilmoth, MSW, Senior Manager at RAINN Consulting Group, explores how school districts can better respond to AI-enabled abuse. By providing trauma-informed training, updating policies, and offering resources for victims, educators can play a critical role in protecting students from the harms of AI-driven exploitation. Read more about how we can all work together to create safer environments for children. ?? #AIAbuse #ChildSafety #OnlineSafety #TraumaInformed #Sextortion #Deepfakes #Education #Schools #Consulting #WorkWithUs

Thanks to our friends at Thrive Causemetics Inc. our staff and volunteers received a generous gift of Thrive Causemetics products! ? In 2024, our staff and volunteers have helped more than 450,000 people affected by sexual violence through our victim services programs and countless more through our education campaigns and policy advocacy. Gifts like this help all of us to feel appreciated and energized to continue our work! On behalf of everyone here at RAINN, thank you Thrive Causemetics for supporting RAINN so we can continue our mission to support survivors. ??

Our legal system has failed victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by healthcare providers. It’s time for medical professionals and organizations to step up. In our latest article, Mary Haggerty, JD, Senior Consultant at RAINN Consulting Group, examines how medical institutions must go beyond compliance to prevent and respond to sexual abuse. From promoting fairness in care to adopting trauma-informed practices and strengthening abuse response systems, healthcare providers can—and must—do more to create safer environments for all patients. Read about actionable steps healthcare organizations can take to protect survivors and ensure justice. #Healthcare #TraumaInformedCare #SupportSurvivors #MedicalAbuse #SexualViolence #PatientSafety #Consulting #WorkWithUs #HealthcareReform #Accountability

?? ?? We’re deeply honored to share that RAINN has received multiple recognitions at the Shorty Impact Awards! Overall Winner, Public Safety Audience Honor, Public Safety Gold Winner, PSA Audience Honor, PSA These awards are not just for RAINN—they are for the survivors who inspire everything we do. Every campaign, every message, every effort is a step forward in amplifying their voices and creating a safer world. We’re especially moved by the two Audience Honors, chosen through your votes. To everyone who supported us: thank you. Your belief in this work and in survivors fuels our mission. This recognition reminds us of the power of collective action. Together, we’re creating change that matters. ?? To survivors: these honors are yours. Your courage, resilience, and strength guide our work every day. #ShortyImpact #PSA #PublicSafety #Awards Shorty Awards LAI Video

?? ?? A routine dental visit can be a major source of anxiety—especially for survivors of sexual assault. For many, the physical sensations of dental procedures can trigger retraumatization, making it harder to receive critical care. RAINN’s latest article, written by Rebecca Cásarez, Senior Manager of Consulting at RAINN Consulting Group, shares simple, trauma-informed practices that can help dental professionals create a safer, more supportive environment for all patients. Read more about how small changes can have a big impact. #TraumaInformedCare #SupportSurvivors #Healthcare #PatientCare #Consulting #WorkWithUs

We are deeply concerned about the growing number of sexual assaults occurring within healthcare settings. A recent NBC News report highlights troubling trends, including lean staffing, lax hiring practices, and inadequate training that contribute to these assaults in hospitals. RAINN’s Vice President for Public Policy Stefan Turkheimer spoke to NBC about the alarming rise of sexual assaults in hospital settings, specifically HCA Healthcare Hospitals. He discussed how hospitals are putting their patients in these susceptible situations and what protocols are needed to protect future patients. The rise of sexual assaults in hospitals is a crisis that requires immediate attention from lawmakers, healthcare leaders, and communities. RAINN is committed to advocating for policy changes that better protect patients and hold healthcare facilities accountable. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted in a hospital setting it is never your fault and you are not alone. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or hotline.rainn.org for 24/7 support. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gXsuXzwK To learn more about RAINN policies and how to help visit rainn.org/policy #HospitalSafety #SexualAssaultPrevention #PublicPolicy #HealthCareReform #PatientSafety #Advocacy #NBCNews

We are thrilled to announce that RAINN has been selected as a 2024 Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE Grant winner in the Pathfinder – Generative AI category! This prestigious award will help us further our mission to expedite trauma-informed support for survivors of sexual violence, leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to connect with survivors where they already communicate — on social media, gaming platforms, and social networking sites. ?? The AWS IMAGINE Grant recognizes innovative nonprofits using cloud technology to address the world’s most pressing challenges. With this grant, we’ll integrate RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline directly into spaces where people are most comfortable, making it easier for survivors of all ages to access critical support. This collaboration will break down barriers and ensure help is just a click away, helping us to be there for even more survivors. ?? "Together, with AWS, we will help more survivors and work towards creating a world free from sexual violence," said Bill Bondurant, RAINN’s Chief Technology Officer. We’re incredibly grateful to AWS for their support and for enabling organizations like ours to drive real change with the power of cloud technology. This grant will accelerate our efforts to make a profound impact on the lives of those affected by sexual violence. Thank you to AWS for believing in our mission and for partnering with us to create a more compassionate and equitable world. To learn more you can read the full press release at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gtcVgQwe #SupportSurvivors #AWS #IMAGINEGrant #GenerativeAI?#AI #TraumaInformedCare #Innovation #TechForGood

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