What Is RAINN?
If you are experiencing sexual abuse or have experienced assault, note that the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) has a hotline dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing sexual assault, harassment, or intimate partner violence. You can contact them anytime by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673) or using the online chat.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an anti-sexual violence organization founded in 1994. RAINN specializes in providing support for survivors of sexual assault and runs programs aimed at preventing sexual violence and bringing perpetrators to justice. In addition, RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and the Department of Defense Safe Helpline.
RAINN's programs
RAINN offers programs focused on survivor services, public education, public policy, and consulting.
In the area of survivor services, RAINN offers the following:
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline, available by phone and online
- The DoD Safe Helpline for people of the Department of Defense community impacted by sexual assault
- Technology and services for partners in the field
- Training services for companies and organizations
- Volunteer opportunities.
Below is a further explanation of the impact of RAINN's programs.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline with over 1,000 local sexual assault service providers nationwide. The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free 24/7 support for individuals affected by sexual assault. Individuals can call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or use the online hotline to connect with a trained support specialist.
Since its founding, RAINN has helped 3.7 million survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones. As RAINN details, there are many different types of sexual violence, including:
- Sexual assault, such as attempted rape, unwanted sexual teaching, and forcing a person to perform sexual acts
- Child sexual abuse
- Sexual assault of men and boys and the stigma that often attaches to it
- Intimate partner sexual violence
- Incest
- Drug-facilitated sexual assault
In some cases, other forms of violence may arise jointly, with multiple types co-occurring. RAINN is unique in that it specializes in helping survivors of sexual assault rather than solely domestic violence. It can also be a helpful resource for those who have witnessed the sexual assault or know someone who is going through it and are unsure what to do or how to help that person.
RAINN Day
RAINN Day is an annual campaign that previously took place in September but now happens in April to align with Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). The campaign aims to raise awareness of and educate people on sexual violence, intervention, and available domestic violence counseling centers on college campuses.
Possible effects of sexual violence
When sexual violence occurs, it can have a range of serious effects on the survivor. Some of the possible effects of sexual violence on a survivor can include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks to the trauma, substance misuse, dissociation, sexually transmitted infections, panic attacks, pregnancy, eating disorders, sleep disorders, self-harm, and suicide.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7. If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Preventing sexual violence
Sexual violence is common—affecting millions of people in the United States yearly—and can have various adverse effects. As the CDC outlines, there are several steps individuals can take to try to prevent sexual violence, including:
- Supporting survivors of sexual violence through survivor-centered services
- Creating sheltered environments
- Improving safety in schools
- Providing opportunities for empowering women and girls
- Teaching skills to prevent sexual violence, such as safe dating skills for teens
- Promoting social norms that defend against violence, such as bystander approaches.
It may also be helpful to recognize some of the facts about sexual violence. For instance, some people may believe that a stranger commits most assaults, but eight out of ten rapes are committed by someone known to the survivor.
Additional support options
In addition to the resources available through RAINN, many other resources are available for individuals who have been affected by sexual violence. However, reaching out for support in person after a traumatic event can be challenging. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can be a source of support.
Research has shown that online therapy can be effective for individuals impacted by sexual violence. For instance, one study evaluated the efficacy of an online therapist-facilitated cognitive-behavioral therapy program for women with rape-related PTSD. It found that "analyses strongly supported the efficacy of this program with a large pre- to post-treatment effect size for PTSD symptoms."
The range of adverse possible effects of sexual violence, such as depression and PTSD, may make leaving the house and traveling to a new place for in-person therapy daunting for some people. With online therapy, clients can meet with a provider from home and choose between phone, video, or chat sessions, offering them control over their healing experience.
Takeaway
What does RAINN stand for?
RAINN stands for Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network.
Is RAINN reputable?
RAINN is a highly reputable organization with a rating of 95% and four stars on CharityNavigator.org. Charity Navigator bases its scoring criteria on an organization’s accounting and finance practices.
Why did RAINN start?
Founded in 1994, RAINN began to provide sexual abuse survivors with an easy, discreet way to find help and support. Since its inception, RAINN has expanded to offer educational resources for survivors, friends, and loved ones. These may include helping individuals recognize the warning signs of sexual abuse and how to act as an advocate and ally. It also offers links to state laws defending survivors, local political action resources, and more.
What is the most unreported crime?
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, rape is the most under-reported crime:
- 63% of people who are sexually assaulted do not report it to the authorities.
- Only 12% of sexual abuse involving children is reported to the authorities.
- The prevalence of false reporting is between 2% and 10%.
Each survivor has a unique situation, so the reasons that rape is under-reported are varied. RAINN makes it easier for individuals in various circumstances to get help.
How many people has RAINN helped?
As of 2023, RAINN is celebrating helping more than three million people since 1994.
Where does RAINN get its funding?
RAINN is funded through donations from individuals, foundations, corporate partnerships, federal grants, and fees for services.
What does RAINN do with donations?
RAINN uses donations to fund survivor services programs and provide educational resources on sexual abuse prevention and recovery.
Who is the owner of RAINN?
Scott Berkowitz is the founder and president of RAINN.
When was RAINN invented?
RAINN was founded in 1994.
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