Policy & Justice

RAINN’s Recommendations for Legislators

Our issue briefs provide everything state policymakers need to know to create and pass meaningful and effective anti-sexual violence legislation.

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

Create & Pass State Laws

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

Image-Based Sexual Abuse Laws

Combat nonconsensual, explicit AI-generated and AI-manipulated “deepfakes.”

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School Sexual Violence Policies

Ensure schools, students, and parents know how to respond when sexual violence occurs.

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Civil Statutes of Limitations for Sex Crimes: Reform Enables Justice

Enable justice by reforming your state’s civil statutes of limitations on pursuing civil justice for sex crimes.

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Criminal Statutes of Limitations for Sex Crimes

Stand with survivors by ending your state’s arbitrary limits for reporting and prosecuting sexual violence.

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Rules of Evidence

Allow prosecutors to admit evidence of the defendant’s prior relevant sexual conduct.

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Immunity Laws for Survivors

Remove barriers to reporting with with immunity laws for drug and alcohol misdemeanors.

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Involuntary Pelvic Exams

Protect patients from pelvic exams performed without their explicit and informed consent.

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RAINN’s Federal Policy Progress
RAINN’s State Policy Progress
The Laws In My State

2024 Federal Policy Impact

In 2024, RAINN’s direct engagement with Congressional champions, strategic outreach to key committees, and active participation in coalitions resulted in stronger protections for survivors and clearer pathways to justice.

20.8%

Over 20% of 2024’s RAINN-endorsed federal bills earned bipartisan Congressional support and became law.

300,000

In 2024, the RAINN-backed Debbie Smith Act reduced the rape kit backlog and surpassed 300k DNA database matches.

100%

RAINN secured overwhelming bipartisan support for every bill we endorsed in 2024.

2024 State Policy Impact

As a result of RAINN’s state-level advocacy in 2024, survivors have stronger legal protections, greater access to justice, and more effective tools to hold perpetrators accountable.

16

In 2024, 12 states signed 17 RAINN-backed bills into law, marking significant strides toward justice.

10,100

In 2024, RAINN reviewed 10,100 state bills, earmarking 1,314 as priority issues for ongoing tracking.

32  

In 2024, RAINN reached 32 states with advocacy, bill development, testimony, grassroots action, and more.

Policy Updates

RAINN Statement on Cesar Chavez Allegations & Survivor Support

RAINN responds to allegations involving Cesar Chavez with a statement on trauma, delayed disclosure, and support for Latino survivors.
March 19, 2026

Gail’s Law

After decades without answers, Gail Gardner helped pass Gail’s Law—and transformed how Florida tracks rape kits and informs survivors.
March 08, 2026

RAINN x Betrayal Podcast

See how RAINN and “Betrayal” are raising awareness about intimate partner sexual violence, coercion, survivor support, and barriers to justice.
January 27, 2026

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

Text “HOPE” to 64673

Get Help Now 

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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.