Washington, D.C. - RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, announced that its victim service programs have now served more than four million survivors and their loved ones. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and other services for survivors of sexual violence.
“Helping so many survivors and their loved ones is a great testament to all those who staff the 40 hotlines that RAINN now operates,” according to Scott Berkowitz, RAINN’s founder and president.
RAINN’s victim service programs now help more than 800 people each day, up from less than 100 people a day when RAINN launched the National Sexual Assault Hotline in 1994. “We are thrilled that RAINN’s services have become so well-known and so trusted,” said Berkowitz. “At the same time, it’s tragic that so many people continue to be victimized by sexual violence, and that demand for our services continues to grow.”
Reaching out for help is never easy for survivors. “We recognize, and thank, the millions of survivors who are so brave and courageous in reaching out to RAINN,” said Amy Andrades, director of the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Because demand continues to grow, RAINN is taking steps to increase capacity. “This year, we launched a plan to double the capacity of our online hotline services,” said Berkowitz. “We also recognize how difficult this work is, and so we have just added wellness benefits to support our staff and reduce the risk of vicarious trauma.”
“Until we’ve met our ultimate goal of ending sexual violence, RAINN’s free, confidential hotlines will be here 24/7, staffed by an incredible group of trained professionals and volunteers,” Berkowitz added.
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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, help survivors, 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.