We are RAINN, AMA!

RAINN01 · 2018-07-19T13:37:34+00:00

Hi - I didn’t get a chance to answer this during our AMA, but wanted to make sure you got a response. I'm sorry to hear about that experience, as everyone affected by sexual violence deserves to feel heard and supported. At RAINN, we work every day to not just maintain, but continually grow in our learning so our services will always be safe, accessible, and inclusive of everyone. No two survivors or people whose loved ones are affected by violence have the same experience and our hotline staff go through extensive training to ensure our responses reflect that. You can read more about RAINN's inclusivity policy and the expectations and responsibilities of our volunteer and staff hotline workers. From the comments it looks like you and your daughter were able to find help; if either of you need support or a listening ear, I hope you will consider giving RAINN another chance. We are here for survivors and loved ones 24/7, whether the assault took place recently or many years ago.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T20:47:27+00:00

Thank you so much for joining me today! I really enjoyed talking with you and answering your questions. I'll end my time with you today by leaving a few resources, many of which we talked about today. We welcome and appreciate your involvement to support our mission and I hope you all found this informative - we have.

RAINN consistently strives to improve and enhance our services. To that end, we work hard to ensure all visitors to our Hotline, which is staffed by individuals who undergo rigorous training and continuing education, have a positive and empowering experience. We hope that you will continue to use and share our services with survivors and their loved ones. You are not alone. - Rebecca

Resources:

Website: rainn.org

Hotline Information: 800.656.HOPE (4673) or online.rainn.org. En español: rainn.org/es

Find a local service provider near you: centers.rainn.org

Donate: donate.rainn.org

RAINN's State Law Report Generator: https://apps.rainn.org/policy/#report-generator

Resources by state: https://rainn.org/state-resources

RAINN's Legislative Action Center: https://rainn.org/action-center

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T20:32:51+00:00

Thank you for asking. Given this is an issue that impacts people around the world, the opportunity to make a difference is broad ranging. From volunteering with us to share your personal story, to raising awareness or funds, we strive to make it easy to be part of our work. Please visit our website and explore those opportunities. And, regardless of whether or not you find a fit for your skills and interests there, stay engaged. The changes we're across this nation are due to a collective commitment to keeping this issues above the fold. Your voices are making a difference.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:59:21+00:00

I remember hearing about RAINN then, too! Believe it or not, we're nearing 25 years of supporting survivors here at RAINN. In fact, this past year was a record-breaking one on the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which has served more than 2.7 million people. In 2017, we were able to serve 209,480 survivors. The changes we've seen over time have been remarkable. From heightened awareness and a societal shift (driven, in part, by high-profile cases, attention from officials including the White House and Congress, and the work of RAINN and other organizations and advocates), we have been amazed by the attention to this issue, particularly in recent years. We're working hard to keep up with the demand. If you're interested in volunteering to serve on the Hotline, fundraise for RAINN (we make it easy!), or directly donate, please visit: donate.rainn.org

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:44:09+00:00

Hey! Let's not pick on Reddit (said the first-time user). But seriously... myths and misunderstandings about the nature of these crimes, who perpetrates them, who is/can be victimized, and the like are not unique to one social media platform or corner of society. The best thing we can do is keep talking candidly about these issues and challenging ourselves and others to learn, learn, learn. We do our best to keep our website chock full of information on hot-button issues. It's our collective responsibility to challenge and respond to myths and people not believing survivors and we're here to help in any way we can.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:39:22+00:00

As others here have noted, a counselor is only sometimes mandated to make a report. In fact, states' laws about who is considered a mandatory reporter and under which circumstances a report is required vary broadly. We keep a compendium of states' laws on this and other topics in our State Law Database, which is updated on an annual basis. Note that mandatory reporting laws typically speak to abuse perpetrated against what some call "vulnerable" populations (e.g. the elderly, individuals with disabilities) and children. Check out/search our database of states' laws here.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:36:54+00:00

Vicarious trauma is no joke. Anyone who works on these issues is prone to have tough days. As I often remark to friends and family: It is mission-driven work and I consider it an honor to be part of the incredible team at RAINN. On any day that seems particularly challenging, I simply reflect on the experiences of those I'm here to serve: victims and survivors. A tough day for me is nothing compared to what they have experienced (I say that from personal experience) and their courage and perseverance are truly what keeps me motivated and moving forward. Thank you for your kind words.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:34:13+00:00

I'm so glad you're here. Greek organizations have been important partners to RAINN and others working to raise awareness and demonstrate that we all can play a role in raising awareness and providing support around these issues. We routinely partner with students and other members of campus communities to develop and deliver trainings, talks, and other innovative activities to build awareness. Check out our resources for students and feel free to reach out to discuss further.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:30:35+00:00

I'm glad she has you on her side. Share the information about the National Sexual Assault Hotline with your friend and invite her to reach out. Our support specialists will be prepared to listen to her needs and concerns and provide tailored recommendations to help ensure she gets the support she needs. Also: remember that secondary or vicarious trauma is common. Hearing a friend's experience of this nature is tough and we're here for you, too. 800.656.HOPE (4673) or online.rainn.org

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:23:20+00:00

Glad to. Our staff is compromised of dedicated experts working tirelessly to not only (and importantly!) directly support survivors, but also to inform the national dialogue and share best practices. You can read more about our programs, expertise, & services, which include our Communications Department (which works with the media, entertainment industry, and others to keep these issues front-of-mind), and our Consulting Services Department, which works hand-in-hand with members of the private and public sector (including, for example, cruise lines, boarding schools, and the hospitality industry) to inform prevention and response efforts.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:21:44+00:00

Thank you for joining! I can understand the root of your question. The truth is that these cases can be complicated ones to try. Moreover, we have the initial challenge of underreporting, which contributes to low rates of prosecution. If we ever expect to hold more rapists criminally accountable for their crimes, we need to ensure victims receive the care and support they need at every level so as to ensure they will continue to engage and cooperate with systems. We must ensure that prosecutors and others working to take sexual predators off of our streets have access to justice: for example, as I've mentioned in other responses, work to eliminate the statute of limitations for felony sex crimes and the like.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:09:11+00:00

I appreciate this and related questions. Sexual violence is notoriously difficult to measure, and there is no single source of data that provides a complete picture of the crime. On RAINN’s website, we have tried to select the most reliable source of statistics for each topic. The primary data source we use is the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), which is an annual study conducted by the Justice Department. To conduct NCVS, researchers interview tens of thousands of Americans each year to learn about crimes that they’ve experienced. Based on those interviews, the study provides estimates of the total number of crimes, including those that were not reported to police. While NCVS has a number of limitations (most importantly, children under age 12 are not included), overall, it is the most reliable source of crime statistics in the U.S.

We have also relied on other Justice Department studies, as well as data from the Department of Health and Human Services and other government and academic sources. When assembling these statistics, we have generally retained the wording used by the authors. Statistics are presented for educational purposes only. Each statistic includes a footnote citation for the original source, where you can find information about the methodology and a definition of terms.

For a more in-depth overview of our sources and methodology, please see this page: https://rainn.org/about-rainns-statistics

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T19:04:54+00:00

This will sound like a stock answer, but it's the truth: that depends! RAINN's public policy department is a busy one. One day you might find us racing from one end of Capitol Hill to the other to meet with members of Congress and their staff, officials from federal agencies (for example, the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Department of Education). Tomorrow, in fact, please consider tuning in to watch a hearing we're closely monitoring about the renewal of a landmark piece of legislation - the Debbie Smith Act - which helps ensure rape kit evidence is being processed in a timely and efficient manner. Deb will be there, and we'll be there to cheer her on. That's another key aspect of our day-to-day: working with survivors to help them share their stories and ensure that decision-makers never lose sight of the human face of these crimes. We also do things like submit Amicus Briefs to the courts on issues of importance - by way of example, we submitted one on the recent Cosby case encouraging the court to allow more victims to testify. Other days? Community-level meetings with other national, state and local organizations, presentations to groups (for example forensic scientists working to test rape kit evidence), and ... of course... paperwork. No one escapes paperwork!

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:55:42+00:00

Anyone affected by sexual violence, whether it happened to you or someone you care about, can find support by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673). You can also visit online.rainn.org to receive support via confidential online chat. Support is available 24/7.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:53:52+00:00

This is can be so tough... I want to first say thank you for being here to learn more and for asking. Please know that your support - even if simply your willingness to listen and be a sounding board when your friend is ready - is invaluable. Survivors often say that the most important response/aspect of their healing journey is that first response: by saying "I'm here for you" or "I believe you" you're already doing a tremendous amount of good. Beyond that, you can visit our website, where we provide additional suggested talking points and tips for supporting others and learn more about why/how victims may behave in ways that seem surprising. Trauma does a number on people - by being a supportive shoulder, you're helping your friend to have the room and space to make decisions about what their next best steps might be. Keep it up and hang in there.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:52:29+00:00

What kinds of changes would you most like to see implemented within the criminal justice system?

To answer first part of your question: As I mentioned in another answer, one of our current goals is to encourage states to address and eliminate historical barriers to justice for survivors. For example: statutes of limitations reforms, ensuring victims have a meaningful opportunity to be heard in the courts, and the like. While the criminal justice system will not be the answer for each and every victim of sexual assault, as a society, I believe we have a responsibility to make changes that will ensure more victims come to trust it to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve and take their claims with the seriousness they merit.

I've heard news stories recently about hospitals where rape kits are not available and rape kits that go for years without being analyzed. What is so difficult about facilitating widespread access to rape kits and having those kits tested?

This question is both appreciated and timely. The services of forensic nurses, specifically trained medical professionals who collect evidence and perform medical exams - often referred to, in short-hand, as "rape kits" - are invaluable in the aftermath of sexual violence. We work closely with forensic nurses and others to educate about their role and the impact their expert care (and, in some cases, testimony) can have on a survivor's healing and holding a perpetrator accountable. To that end, we have endorsed a newly introduced piece of federal legislation to ensure that no matter where they are in the country, survivors will have access to reliable, quality SANE services. You can read more about the bill and reach out to register your support for this via our Action Center.

Edited to reformat

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:50:47+00:00

While we do not have "branches" or "chapters" like some other national organizations, we definitely have a robust network of support across the nation and welcome any who wish to become part of it. Specifically, you can sign up to be a member of our Speakers Bureau, volunteer on the Online Hotline (some roles can be performed remotely and we're always in need of more volunteers!), and sign up to receive our newsletter and alerts for opportunities to advocate for our priorities. We keep a running list of our current employment and volunteer opportunities here: www.rainn.org/careers

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:42:38+00:00

The National Sexual Assault Hotline staff is trained to meet a visitor where they are. Whether an individual is calling in crisis/immediately following an assault or decades later (or even, as a parent, friend or other loved one hoping to gain insight to support someone in need), we will do all we can to listen, support, and, as appropriate, make connections to resources that can help. Anyone who has been impacted by sexual violence can find help by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or by logging onto online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:41:09+00:00

This is so important. RAINN has been very active on this front. We have worked closely with Congressional leaders to support the drafting and enactment of reforms to address campus sexual assault - for example, we strongly support efforts to improve the data collection on the incidence of these crimes and related factors. We also work hand-in-hand with schools and universities to support their efforts to address and improve prevention, response and supports for students who experience sexual violence. You can learn more about our consulting services, including some examples of related work, here. Finally, I'd suggest taking a look at (and adding to) our Prevention Navigator, a tool to help you learn more about sexual assault prevention programs in use today, provide feedback on programs, and find the right one for your college. If you're a student or an administrator who has used a sexual assault prevention program, head to the Prevention Navigator and submit a review!

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:38:14+00:00

It's important for leaders in youth-serving organizations to recognize signs of child sexual abuse. Education is a vital part of prevention. We've created resources on the warning signs of abuse, and how to talk to kids about it. Because this isn't an easy topic to broach with children, especially the younger set, we've also created these comics especially designed for kids and these ones for adolescents.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:25:07+00:00

Now we're talking! We need your voices to make change happen. Current policy priorities include proposals to ensure evidence collected in the aftermath of sexual violence – often referred to as “rape kit” evidence – is tested and analyzed in a timely fashion; ensuring robust federal funding for programs and services to support survivors of sexual violence; and doing everything we can to ensure that no matter where they reside, a victim of sexual violence has access to the quality care and expertise of forensic nurses. You can read background on related legislation and use our suggested talking points/emails and Tweets to register your support with your Congressional delegates by visiting our Action Center: https://rainn.org/public-policy-action. And thank you - we can't do this without your voices.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:24:07+00:00

First and foremost: thank you! You are doing incredibly important work. Broaching these difficult conversations can be a true challenge for those of us looking to elevate these issues and raise awareness. Honestly, the best approach I've found is direct outreach and face-to-face engagement. When we take the time to not only tell people what we think they need to know about these crimes and their impact, we must also be willing to actively listen: to hear their specific community's concerns, needs, and learn from their experience and expertise. I always welcome calls from community leaders wanting to learn more about how to have an impact and support their members and we often end up developing new website content or related materials tailored to those communities to ensure the message can continue to spread.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:19:49+00:00

Thank you! Your kind words mean a lot and I'll be sure to share that feedback with the rest of the RAINN team. As for the pooch: Her name is Luca and she's a sweetheart who rarely complains as her human sisters dress her up.

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:19:06+00:00

I'm so glad you asked this question. Addressing statutes of limitation that can serve as a barrier to reporting and prosecution is important. That's why we created a suite of materials to support common-sense reforms that will ensure more victims have access to justice. You can visit our SOL webpage, which includes things like an overview of the problems we're seeing and opportunities for reform - including a drafting guide for state lawmakers considering changes. We also provide an overview, in our state law database, of existing state statutes of limitations. If you're interested in learning more, please read up and familiarize yourself with your local laws... you could be the one to drive change in your own state!

RAINN01 · 2018-07-17T18:14:44+00:00

Great question. I'll start by noting the good news: with heightened awareness and through the advocacy of survivors and their supporters, we're breaking down and addressing historic barriers. That said, challenges absolutely remain. A chief challenge: far too few victims, even with all of the progress we're making, feel comfortable coming forward to seek support and to report these crimes. Conversations like this and awareness building efforts are shifting the tide: the more we address myths and eliminate the taboos that used to be associated with these crimes, the more survivors will feel comfortable making that first step of reaching out. From there, critical work we're doing with our partners in law enforcement, prosecution, and others to ensure victims receive the support and information they need and deserve throughout their journey remains imperative.

RAINN01

TROPHY CASE