Washington, D.C. - RAINN experienced a 99 percent increase in calls to the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.4673 and online.rainn.org) Sept. 24 and 25 following the airing of Lifetime’s “Aly Raisman: Darkness to Light.” The three-hour special featured RAINN experts and Speakers Bureau members, as well as contact information for the hotline.
“We thank Lifetime and Aly Raisman for their collaboration on this project and for highlighting not just the impact of child sexual abuse, but also offering hope for survivors, letting them know they are not alone and that healing is possible,” said Erinn Robinson, RAINN press secretary. “We continue to see the very real impact television can have on survivors reaching out for support, in addition to educating the public on the far-reaching effects of sexual violence.”
“If you are experiencing or have experienced abuse, I want you to know I believe you, I support you and please know there is help out there,” said Raisman. “I know a huge part of my healing journey has been finding a support system and someone to go to for help. I encourage you, whenever you feel ready, to find a support system because you deserve to feel safe and validated. I recognize finding a support system isn't always easy but please don't give up. There are good people out there who will help you. Everything you are feeling is real and I believe you.”
“Aly’s journey to healing is incredibly powerful and we are proud to partner with her to tell the stories of these other brave survivors,” said Kannie Yu LaPack, senior vice president of publicity and public affairs, Lifetime Television. “We are grateful to continue our collaboration with RAINN for their important work as a haven for those affected by sexual abuse to reach out to for help.”
“Aly Raisman: Darkness to Light” is currently available on Video On Demand (VOD).
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About RAINN
RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, educate the public, help organizations improve their sexual assault prevention and response programs, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visiting online.rainn.org.