Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an American nonprofit anti-sexual assault organization, the largest in the United States. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, as well as the Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline, and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice through victim services, public education, public policy, and consulting services. RAINN was founded in 1994 by Scott Berkowitz. Tori Amos was the organization's first spokesperson. Christina Ricci is the current national spokesperson and a member of its National Leadership Council. National Sexual Assault Hotline: The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a 24-hour, toll-free phone service that routes callers to the nearest local sexual assault service provider. More than 1,000 local partnerships are associated with RAINN to provide sexual assault victims with free, confidential services. In the summer of 2006, RAINN received its one millionth caller and it has helped over 2.5 million visitors since 1994. Since 2008, RAINN has provided anonymous, on-line crisis support through its National Sexual Assault Online Hotline via instant messaging. Professional wrestler and writer Mick Foley is a member of RAINN's national leadership council and has worked as a volunteer on its online hotline. He became involved with the charity through his friendship with Tori Amos, his favorite musician. During a 15-month period ending in April 2011, Foley logged more than 550 hours talking to victims online. The same month, he offered to mow anyone's lawn who donated up to a certain amount to the organization, saying, "If you want to help survivors of sexual assault, or just want to see a big guy with long hair mowing your lawn in front of your friends, please take part..." RAINN Day: Every year, RAINN sponsors RAINN Day, a campaign geared toward raising awareness and educating students about sexual violence, bystander intervention, and recovery resources on college campuses. It used to be held in September, but as of 2018 will be held in April to coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). Public Positions: RAINN has published press releases in support of multiple survivors facing media scrutiny, including Dr. Blasey Ford. RAINN's president, Scott Berkowitz, has also issued multiple public statements, including his belief that arguing against the Keystone pipeline's expansion as a potential conduit of sexual violence is "unusual": I've not heard this one before as an argument against the expansion of commerce, said Scott Berkowitz, president of Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Workplace-related violence is not terribly unusual, but I think that as an argument for or against a pipeline it's a little unusual. RAINN has also taken a position on Joe Biden's accuser. "We appreciate Vice President Biden finally addressing Tara Reade's allegations. These allegations deserve a rigorous investigation, and we urge Vice President Biden to release any and all records that may be relevant, including those housed at the University of Delaware, in addition to any Senate records housed at the National Archives. We urge him, his campaign, and former staff to cooperate fully and provide complete transparency." — Heather Drevna, vice president of communications, RAINN. Controversy: In 2014, RAINN attracted controversy for its criticism of the phrase rape culture in its recommendations to a White House task force for addressing sexual assault on college campuses.