Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks to
Kinjal Dalal, military marketing manager for
the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network,
at their headquarters in Washington D.C.
April 21, 2014. Official DoD photo by Sgt.
Aaron Hostutler USMC (Released).
 

This morning, RAINN was privileged to host Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who toured RAINN's office and met with staff to discuss Safe Helpline, which helps sexual assault survivors in the military. The Department of Defense contracts with RAINN to operate Safe Helpline.

After reading anonymous messages from survivors to Safe Helpline staff, including one that said, "All you did was save my life tonight," Secretary Hagel remarked, "What they said about your help ... that's the defining dynamic of what you're doing — thank you, you really are changing the world for the better with what you do."

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel reads
messages on the 'Hope Board,' a board with
notes from many of the victims supported by
the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
in Washington D.C. on April 21, 2014.
Secretary Hagel commented that the notes were
powerful and proof that their work at the RAINN
center makes a difference. Official DoD photo
by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler USMC (Released).

"I know how much you mean to victims, and I just wanted to let you know that we have a pretty deep appreciation for what you do, too," Secretary Hagel said in his remarks to RAINN's staff. "When you can harness a focus on doing something right and making the world better, which is really your common denominator. ... In the end that's all that really counts. We're going to continue to support you in any way we can."

If you have a moment today, consider sharing DoD Safe Helpline with a Service Member in your life: Help is available 24/7 at safehelpline.org or by calling 877-995-5247.

Visit RAINN's Facebook page for more photos from this event.