Policy Center

The Policy Center is for lawmakers looking to understand key issues, craft meaningful legislation, support constituents, and engage with RAINN’s public policy experts.

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RAINN’s bipartisan partnerships with U.S. lawmakers help create, advance, and pass legislation that strengthens protections for survivors and holds offenders accountable.

Our Approach 

Issues Impacting Your Constituents

Learn how sexual violence affects adults and children in communities nationwide. Together, we can make Americans safer from sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

Nearly every minute

someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Every nine minutes, that someone is a child. 1Based on the average of the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey 2020-2024.

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Sexual Violence Affects Every Community

An estimated 423,020 people age 12+ experience sexual violence each year in the U.S. The impact of sexual violence goes beyond survivors—hurting families, relationships, and entire communities.

Sexual Violence Causes Ongoing Harm

Survivors of sexual violence are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation and attempts. Social and relationship challenges are common, including struggles at work and school.

Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to use drugs.

3.4 times more likely to use marijuana
6 times more likely to use cocaine
10 times more likely to use other major drugs 2DG Kilpatrick, CN Edumuds, AK Seymour. Rape in America: A Report to the Nation. Arlington, VA: National Victim Center and Medical University of South Carolina (1992).

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98% of perpetrators walk free.

For every 1000 sexual assaults, 50 reports lead to arrests, 28 cases lead to a felony convictions, and only 25 perpetrators are sentenced to incarceration. 3Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System, 2012-2016 (2017).

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Survivors Rarely Receive Justice

Approximately 33% of survivors report to the police, yet less than 3% of perpetrators are sentenced to prison. And because most (up to 93%) assailants are not strangers, survivors are often faced with living in the same community as the person who assaulted them.

Accountability

In the U.S., only 2.5% of sexual assault perpetrators go to jail or prison.

Impact

Survivors are more likely to struggle with drug use, mental health, and relationships.

Cost

The economic impact of rape is estimated at more than $122,000 per victim.

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Strengthen Your State’s Laws

Explore our legislative memos and get a comprehensive look at today’s most pressing sexual violence issues.

Get help crafting legislation for…

AI & Tech-Enabled Sexual Abuse
Civil Statutes of Limitations for Sex Crimes
Criminal Statutes of Limitations for Sex Crimes
Immunity Laws for Survivors
Involuntary Pelvic Exams
Rules of Evidence
School Sexual Violence Policies

Explore RAINN’s State Law Database

From CSAM to SOLs, RAINN tracks anti-sexual violence laws across all 50 states, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA SC SD TN TX UT VA WA WV WI WY
VT
NH
MA
CT
RI
NJ
MD
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DC
PR
GU

Help Your Constituents Get Support

We collaborate with over 1,100 local organizations nationwide to deliver support services and essential resources through RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline and the Department of Defense’s Safe Helpline.

Share RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673), chat at RAINN.org/hotline, or text “HOPE” to 64673. 

Visit RAINN’s Hotline
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Share the DoD Safe Helpline

DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. Call 877.995.5247 or visit safehelpline.org.

Visit DoD Safe Helpline

Discover Your Local Support Programs

Search RAINN’s list of independent sexual assault service providers (SASPs), including National Sexual Assault Hotline affiliate organizations. These programs are dedicated to helping survivors in your area.

Search RAINN’s SASP Network

Contact RAINN’s Policy Experts

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Whether you’re a survivor yourself or know someone who is, your compassionate support can profoundly impact someone’s healing journey. Here’s how.

Take Action

Show up, speak out, and step in. Learn more about how you can add your voice, fight for justice, and help RAINN move its mission forward for survivors.