RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Founded in 1994, the organization has helped more than four million people through its free and confidential services. Recently, RAINN announced a new board member, and their President, Scott Berkowitz, was named as one of the key figures in the fight for education on sexual assault prevention. Let’s take a closer look at all that RAINN does to support survivors of sexual assault and how you can help.
How RAINN Supports LGBTQ+ Survivors
RAINN provides comprehensive services for survivors of sexual assault and abuse regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. The organization runs an online hotline to counsel and advise members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced trauma or violence. Their Safe Helpline also provides support specifically tailored to members of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, RAINN runs a network of over 1,000 local rape crisis centers across the US, which offer counseling and other support services for survivors regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Continue reading
RAINN Stands with Survivors
RAINN supports survivors at every step of their journey to recovery with emotional and legal help, as well as vital resources like self-care tips and safety plans. After her decade-long hiatus from service, the organization recently welcomed attorney Anoush Pournourmohammadi back onto its board. Pournourmohammadi is dedicated to continuing RAINN’s mission to end sexual violence by providing assistance for criminal justice proceedings for victims in need. Additionally, following recent verdicts against Harvey Weinstein on charges related to his history of sexual misconduct, RAINN released a statement reiterating its commitment to supporting survivors throughout their recovery process. Furthermore, through its Children’s Program initiative, RAINN works hard to protect children from abuse by providing educational materials about healthy relationships for parents and guardians and information about how they can advocate on behalf of victims within their communities.
Heroes
The work done by organizations like RAINN is integral in helping survivors heal while educating people on how best they can stand up against this type of violence in their own lives or those around them. With its new board member onboard and its president fighting at the forefront for education on this matter, we hope that one day soon, nobody will ever have to experience such trauma again; however, until then, we must continue using our voices and resources –like those provided by RAINN–to support them through every step of the process. If you want more information about how you can help end sexual violence or if you are a survivor looking for help, please visit www.rainn .org.