Getting Support From The Rape, Abuse, And Incest National Network (RAINN)

RAINN stands for the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network. This organization is dedicated to providing support and resources for those who have experienced any of these forms of trauma. Read on to learn more about RAINN and how to connect with their services.

What is the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)?

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an anti-sexual violence organization founded in 1994. RAINN specializes in providing support for survivors of sexual assault and runs programs aimed at preventing sexual violence and bringing perpetrators to justice. In addition, RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and the Department of Defense Safe Helpline. 

Contacting the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)

If you are experiencing sexual abuse or have experienced assault, note that the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) has a hotline dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing sexual assault, harassment, or intimate partner violence. You can contact them anytime by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673) or using the online chat on their website. 

RAINN's programs

RAINN offers programs focused on survivor services, public education, public policy, and consulting. Here’s a brief overview.

Anti-sexual violence programs offered by RAINN

In the area of survivor services, RAINN offers the following:

• The National Sexual Assault Hotline, available by phone and online
• The DoD Safe Helpline for people of the Department of Defense community impacted by sexual assault
• Technology and services for partners in the field
• Training services for companies and organizations
• Volunteer opportunities

RAINN’S National Sexual Assault Hotline

RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline with over 1,000 local sexual assault service providers nationwide. The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free 24/7 support for individuals affected by sexual assault. Individuals can call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or use the online hotline to connect with a trained support specialist. 

Will the National Sexual Assault Hotline share my information?

No; none of the sexual violence-related crimes reported to the National Sexual Assault Hotline are shared. That means you do not have to worry about your information being divulged to anyone. If you are experiencing sexual assault or sexual violence, you can report it to this hotline.

Types of sexual violence addressed by this anti-sexual violence organization

In some cases, other forms of violence may arise jointly, with multiple types co-occurring. RAINN is unique in that it specializes in helping survivors of sexual assault rather than solely domestic violence. It can also be a helpful resource for those who have witnessed the sexual assault or know someone who is going through it and are unsure what to do or how to help that person.

RAINN Day

RAINN Day is an annual campaign that previously took place in September but now happens in April to align with Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). The campaign aims to raise awareness of and educate people on sexual violence, interventions, and available domestic violence counseling centers on college campuses.

Possible effects of sexual violence

When sexual violence occurs, it can have a range of serious effects on the survivor. Some of the possible effects of sexual violence on a survivor can include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks to the trauma, substance misuse, dissociation, sexually transmitted infections, panic attacks, pregnancy, eating disorders, sleep disorders, self-harm, and suicide. 

Preventing sexual violence

Sexual violence is common—affecting millions of people in the United States yearly—and can have various adverse effects. That’s why organizations like RAINN also focus on prevention.

Ways to prevent sexual assault or violence

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines, there are several steps communities and organizations can take to try to prevent sexual violence, including: 

• Supporting survivors of sexual violence through survivor-centered services
• Creating sheltered environments
• Improving safety in schools
• Providing opportunities for empowering women, girls, and those of other genders
• Teaching skills to prevent sexual violence, such as safe dating skills for teens 
• Promoting social norms that defend against violence, such as bystander approaches.

It may also be helpful to recognize some of the facts about sexual violence. For instance, some people may believe that a stranger commits most assaults, but eight out of ten rapes are committed by someone known to the survivor.

What to do if you know someone who has experienced sexual assault

The most important thing you can do if you know someone who is a survivor of sexual assault is usually to offer support. You might let the person know you are there for them and encourage them to seek professional help.

Additional support options 

In addition to the resources available through RAINN, many other resources are available for individuals who have been affected by sexual violence. However, reaching out for support in person after a traumatic event can be challenging. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can be a more convenient and approachable source of support.

Studies supporting online therapy

Research has suggested that online therapy can be effective for individuals impacted by sexual violence. For instance, one study evaluated the efficacy of an online therapist-facilitated cognitive-behavioral therapy program for women with rape-related PTSD. Its findings indicate that "analyses strongly supported the efficacy of this program with a large pre- to post-treatment effect size for PTSD symptoms."

The range of adverse possible effects of sexual violence, such as depression and PTSD, may make leaving the house and traveling to a new place for in-person therapy daunting for some people. With online therapy, clients can meet with a provider from home and choose between phone, video, or chat sessions, offering them control over their healing experience.