RAINN’s policy department has joined a team of national experts selected by the Justice Department to support states’ work to address and end the backlog of untested and unanalyzed rape kits.
Airport security can be stressful for any traveler, but for some survivors of sexual assault the security screening process is a little more sensitive.
Whether you travel often or you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it’s important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations.
During a flashback, memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment.
After a traumatic event, it is typical to have feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear, making it difficult to adjust or cope for some time afterwards.
If you decide to seek support from a therapist after sexual assault or abuse, you may have some questions. That’s perfectly normal. Working with a therapist can help you deal with some of the challenges you may be facing.
Whether it happened recently or years ago, self care can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects of a trauma like sexual assault.
It’s not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, especially if they are a friend or family member.
Many perpetrators of sexual abuse are in a position of trust or responsible for the child’s care, such as a family member, teacher, clergy member, coach, or other children such as older siblings.
You may only interact with law enforcement when you report, or they might ask you to stay involved with the investigation over a length of time.
Preserving DNA evidence is a key tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence.
Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
Understanding a few key aspects of the criminal justice system can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
There are many emotional and psychological reactions that victims of rape and sexual assault can experience. One of the most common of these is depression.
After sexual assault, a medical exam can check for help check for injuries, even those you may not be able to see.
During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a bacterial or viral infection passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral contact.
If you decide to report the crime and work with law enforcement, you may be able to access financial compensation from a state agency to help cover some of the costs associated with the crime.
The overwhelming backlog of DNA evidence is currently one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence.