RAINN Press

Washington, D.C. (April 25, 2024) – RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization released the following statement after the New York Court of Appeals overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction on felony sex crime charges with a 4-3 decision: If you are covering this story, please note RAINN has subject matter experts available for interview, comment, and reaction to support your coverage of this stunning decision. “Overturning the conviction of Harvey Weinstein is a horrible decision…

Washington, D.C. – RAINN released the following statement after the jury in a Los Angeles court delivered a mixed verdict for former Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein. Jurors found him guilty of raping one woman but either found him not guilty or could not decide on other charges. “While many will reflect on how this verdict is another significant chapter in Harvey Weinstein’s history as a sexual predator tonight, RAINN is reflecting on the significance…

Washington, D.C. – RAINN released the following statement after R. Kelly received an additional 20 year sentence for child sex abuse crimes and Harvey Weinstein received an additional 16 year sentence in the Los Angeles rape case against him: “For the survivors of horrific sexual violence perpetrated by Kelly and Weinstein, we hope that these additional sentences offer some path to healing. We thank them for their courage and for the awesome responsibility they shouldered…

Washington, D.C. (April 27, 2023) – RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, released the following statement following the cross-examination of E. Jean Carroll in her civil rape case against Donald Trump: “This cross examination is an example of just how difficult navigating the justice system can be for survivors,” said Erinn Robinson, Director of Media Relations, RAINN. “For survivors who are following this case and may be weighing the decision to come forward, we…

Washington, D.C. (January 31, 2024)—Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing testimony by CEOs from Meta, TikTok, X, Discord, and Snap on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on their respective platforms. The distribution and presence of CSAM on social media platforms amounts to an avalanche of abuse. In 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received over 32 million CyberTipline reports for CSAM containing more than 88 million images, videos,…

Washington, D.C. (May 9, 2023) – RAINN released the following statement after a Manhattan jury voted to hold Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation of E. Jean Carroll: “We thank E. Jean Carroll, who will inspire survivors to come forward to tell their stories and face perpetrators. This case demonstrates that all perpetrators, no matter how powerful, can and will be held accountable. For those watching coverage of this case and looking for…

RAINN uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) End User Messaging Social, which leverages the WhatsApp Connector to create on-demand crisis hotlines and additional online support mediums. This solution integrates RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline directly into social media messaging platforms, gaming, and other social networking sites. Washington, D.C. (April 28, 2025) — RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, announces a new point of access on WhatsApp, powered by Amazon Web Services’ End Messaging Social. Using…

Richmond, V.A. – RAINN released the following statement after Governor Glenn Youngkin signed H.B. 764. The bill modifies the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to make it easier for victims of sexual abuse or criminal sexual assault to terminate a rental agreement early if they are no longer safe in that location, without a financial penalty. “Our laws should provide victims every path to get to safety, including the ability to terminate a lease…

Jackson, M.S. – Today, RAINN, along with Representative Dana McLean (R-District 39-MS), the Center for Violence Prevention, Joyful Heart, and Ole Miss’ VIP: Survivor Support called for the passage of HB 1537 in Mississippi. The Bill provides immunity from offenses involving substance use to those seeking to report a sex crime. “As lawmakers, it is our responsibility to encourage victims and witnesses of rape and sexual assault to report these life-altering crimes,” says Representative Dana…

Washington, D.C. – On March 27, 2024, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) signed AB 940 — a RAINN-supported bill that provides critical services for victims of crime-into law. This law funds victim services and domestic abuse services, training for grant recipients, and grants to child advocacy centers in Wisconsin. The new law will help close funding gaps in Wisconsin left open after cuts to the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). “VOCA funding surrounds survivors…

Washington, D.C. (September 7, 2023) – RAINN released the following statement after a Los Angeles Superior Court judge sentenced Danny Masterson to 30 years to life today after Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape in May 2023: “The victim-impact statements were incredibly powerful and we applaud the strong sentence handed down by Judge Olmedo,” said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN president and founder. “We are hopeful that today’s sentence sends a message that justice…

Va. Governor Youngkin Signs Three RAINN-supported Bills Into Law In a sweeping show of survivor-centered legislative progress, Monday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed into law three RAINN-supported bills that give survivors of sexual violence tools they need to seek justice and healing. “Virginia empowered survivors with these new laws,” says RAINN Director of State Legislative Affairs, Mollie Montague. “Whether it is protecting themselves and their children from a rapist, or seeking care after an assault,…