The number of people who received help from the National Sexual Assault Hotline soared following an episode of Fox’s hit show Glee. The episode included a PSA urging victims to contact the hotline.
In the episode, two glee club members — one male and one female — disclose that they are survivors of sexual violence. In the PSA, Glee stars Becca Tobin and Blake Jenner urge viewers who are living with a secret of sexual assault to take the first step towards recovery by contacting RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (online.rainn.org & 800.656.HOPE).
On April 26th, the day after the episode aired, the Online Hotline experienced had its second-busiest day since the service launched in 2006. Overall, there Online Hotline usage was up by 60%, while calls to the National Sexual Assault Hotline rose 80%. Online Hotline usage has remained high in the month since the show aired — in fact, it has been the busiest month in the hotline’s history.
Katherine Hull, RAINN’s vice president for communications, said, “While it can difficult to imagine that so many teens are affected by sexual assault, it's incredible to think of all of the lives that the episode helped to change. So many were living with this secret in silence, and the PSA encouraged them to take the first step toward recovery.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, it’s never too late to get help. Talk to someone who understands what you're going through. Visit online.rainn.org to chat one-on-one with a RAINN staff member 24/7.
“Like” Glee on Facebook and download the Facebook Fan Page app. Follow the series on Twitter @GLEEonFOX and join the discussion at #glee.
Read more about the Glee’s storyline and collaboration with RAINN:
MTV Act: Sexual Assault on the Small Screen: 4 Episodes you Might Have Missed
The Stir: 'Glee' Recap: Child Molestation Shocker Was Treated With Class
Examiner.com: 'Glee': Ryder takes a brave step, is Katie really Kitty?
Hypable: ‘Glee’ recap: 4×20 ‘Lights Out’
About Glee
GLEE is a musical comedy about a group of ambitious and talented kids who escape the harsh realities of high school by joining a glee club where they find strength, acceptance and, ultimately, their voice.
About RAINN
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Charities” by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotlines (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,000 local rape crisis centers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. The hotlines have helped more than 1.8 million people since 1994. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. For more information about RAINN, please visit rainn.org.