RAINN today received a $2 million grant from CBS to continue its efforts to help survivors of sexual assault through its victim services programs.

RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es), a completely anonymous and confidential service that is available via telephone and online 24/7. The widely used service has experienced unprecedented demand over the last year.

“We are grateful to CBS for assisting RAINN’s efforts to provide the support that sexual assault survivors need and deserve,” said Scott Berkowitz, president and founder. "Ending sexual violence takes everyone working together. This generous support will make it possible for us to help tens of thousands more survivors."

By the end of December, more than 270,000 people will have received help from RAINN’s victim services programs this year alone, up more than 60,000 from the prior year. Even with staff working overtime and volunteers taking extra shifts, hotline wait times grew to more than 5.5 hours on some days.

RAINN will use this grant to expand its victim services to meet the increased usages of the hotline while also expanding online services, including a peer-to-peer chat function.

RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and leading authority on sexual violence. It also operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense and numerous hotlines for other organizations. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.