Editing Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

{{Short description|American nonprofit organization}}
{{Infobox organization
| name                     = Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
| abbreviation             = RAINN
| image                    = RAINN logo.svg
| founded_date             = {{start date and age|1994|06|08}}<ref name=corp>"[https://corponline.dcra.dc.gov/BizEntity.aspx/ViewEntityData?entityId=2834809 RAPE, ABUSE AND INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK (RAINN) - Initial File Number: 941826]{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}". ''Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs''. [[Government of the District of Columbia]]. Retrieved May 25, 2022.</ref>
| tax_id                   = 52-1886511<ref name= irseos>"[https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/detailsPage?ein=521886511&name=Rape%20Abuse%20and%20Incest%20National%20Network%20Inc.&city=Washington&state=DC&countryAbbr=US&dba=&type=CHARITIES,%20COPYOFRETURNS&orgTags=CHARITIES&orgTags=COPYOFRETURNS Rape Abuse And Incest National Network Inc.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524144217/https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/detailsPage?ein=521886511&name=Rape%20Abuse%20and%20Incest%20National%20Network%20Inc.&city=Washington&state=DC&countryAbbr=US&dba=&type=CHARITIES,%20COPYOFRETURNS&orgTags=CHARITIES&orgTags=COPYOFRETURNS |date=2022-05-24 }}" ''Tax Exempt Organization Search''. [[Internal Revenue Service]]. Retrieved May 24, 2022.</ref>
| status                   = [[Nonprofit organization]]
| type                     = [[501(c)(3)]]<ref name= irseos/>
| location                 = [[Washington, D.C.]], United States
| founder                  = Scott Berkowitz
| key_people               = Regan Burke,<br> [[Christina Ricci]],<br> [[Tori Amos]]
| area_served              = United States
| purpose                  = To help survivors and their loved ones and run programs to prevent rape and hold perpetrators accountable.<ref name= 990-2019>"[https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/521886511_202005_990_2021040217856987.pdf Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524144232/https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/521886511_202005_990_2021040217856987.pdf |date=2022-05-24 }}". ''Rape Abuse & Incest National Network''. [[Internal Revenue Service]]. May 31, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2022.</ref>
| employees                = 258<ref name= 990-2019/>
| employees_year           = 2019
| volunteers               = 4,000<ref name= 990-2019/>
| volunteers_year          = 2019
| revenue                  = $15,833,865<ref name= 990-2019/>
| revenue_year             = 2020
| expenses                 = $11,618,798<ref name= 990-2019/>
| expenses_year            = 2020
| leader_name              = Scott Berkowitz<ref name= 990-2019/>
| leader_title             = [[President (corporation)|President]]
| leader_name2             = Reagan Burke<ref name= 990-2019/>
| leader_title2            = [[Chairman|Chair]]
| leader_name3             = Katharine Miller<ref name= 990-2019/>
| leader_title3            = [[Treasurer]]
| leader_name4             = Traci Sefi<ref name= 990-2019/>
| leader_title4            = [[Secretary (corporation)|Secretary]]
| website                  = {{URL|https://www.rainn.org/}}
| dissolved                = 
| footnotes                = 
}}

The '''Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network''' ('''RAINN''') is an American [[Nonprofit organization|nonprofit]] [[sexual assault|anti-sexual assault]] organization, the largest in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.safe4all.org/resource-list/view/36322 | title = Resource List: RAINN: Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network | publisher = [[Stop Abuse For Everyone]] | access-date = 2010-04-21 | date = 2005-01-05 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100705171116/http://www.safe4all.org/resource-list/view/36322 | archive-date = July 5, 2010 }}</ref> RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, as well as the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rainn.org/about-rainn |title=About RAINN |date=2018 |publisher=RAINN |access-date=February 13, 2018 |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607074333/https://rainn.org/about-rainn |url-status=live }}</ref>

RAINN was founded in 1994 by Scott Berkowitz, with initial funding from [[The Atlantic Group]] and [[Warner Music Group]].<ref name="Newspapers">{{Cite news |last=Jaeger |first=Barbara |date=1994-07-03 |title=Who: what, where, when |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record-who-what-where-when/160245455/ |access-date=2024-12-03 |work=The Record |page=E-4 |publication-place=Hackensack, New Jersey |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> [[Tori Amos]] was the organization's first spokesperson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thedent.com/more.php?id=A775_0_1_0_M|title=Reminder: Make a contribution to RAINN in honor of Tori's 40th birthday!|date=20 August 2003|access-date=14 March 2016|archive-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829110706/http://thedent.com/more.php?id=A775_0_1_0_M|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="edition.cnn.com">{{cite news|title=Amos still displaying her ivory powers|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=December 11, 2009|access-date=January 3, 2010|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/11/tori.amos.connector.interview/|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829110206/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/11/tori.amos.connector.interview/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="books.google.com">{{cite book | first= Jay S. |last= Jacobs | title = Pretty Good Years: A Biography of Tori Amos| pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=wP3xiglTL2EC&pg=PA56 56] | isbn = 1-4234-0022-4 | publisher = Hal Leonard Corporation | year = 2006 }}</ref> [[Christina Ricci]] has been the national spokesperson since April 25, 2007,<ref>Martinez, Edecio (September 11, 2009). "[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christina-ricci-shines-light-on-sexual-violence-in-huffington-post/ Christina Ricci Shines Light on Sexual Violence in Huffington Post] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525131405/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christina-ricci-shines-light-on-sexual-violence-in-huffington-post/ |date=2022-05-25 }}". ''The Huffington Post''</ref> and she is a member of its National Leadership Council.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rainn.org/about-rainn/leadership | title = Leadership and Governance | publisher = RAINN | date= November 9, 2016 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161109230032/https://www.rainn.org/leadership-and-governance |archive-date = November 9, 2016 }}</ref><ref>"[https://rainn.org/news/rainn-announces-national-leadership-council-members RAINN Announces National Leadership Council Members] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527220208/https://rainn.org/news/rainn-announces-national-leadership-council-members |date=2022-05-27 }}". ''RAINN''. August 23, 2018.</ref>

In 2025, RAINN began limiting services for certain groups, removing more than two dozen resources for [[LGBTQ people]], [[Immigration to the United States|immigrants]], and other marginalized groups from its list of permissible referrals, citing guidance from the American federal government.<ref name="nytimes-15may2025"/>

==History==
RAINN was founded in 1994 by Scott Berkowitz.<ref name=Newspapers/> In 2006, its National Sexual Assault Hotline received its one-millionth caller.<ref name=Rainn>{{cite web|title =RAINN Commemorates One Million Callers to the National Sexual Assault Hotline|publisher =[[RAINN]]|url =http://www.rainn.org/news-room/sexual-assault-news/million-callers-to-National-Sexual-Assault-Online-Hotline|date =September 6, 2006|access-date =May 27, 2008|url-status =dead|archive-url =http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160520151639/http://www.rainn.org/news-room/sexual-assault-news/million-callers-to-National-Sexual-Assault-Online-Hotline|archive-date =May 20, 2016}}</ref>

After Senate unanimously reauthorized the [[Debbie Smith Act]] in May 2019, RAINN gathered 32,000 signatures from online petitions in hopes to push Senate Bill 820 toward House passage. The Debbie Smith Act, which aims to eliminate the backlog of untested DNA and rape kit evidence by allocating $151 million annually to state and local labs, was passed by the House in December 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=Advocates implore Congress to reauthorize funds for backlogged DNA rape kits before Sept. 30 expiration |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/crime-law/2019/09/07/advocates-implore-congress-reauthorize-funds-backlogged-dna-rape-kits-before-sept-expiration/ |access-date=2023-03-15 |archive-date=2021-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225085403/https://www.washingtonpost.com/crime-law/2019/09/07/advocates-implore-congress-reauthorize-funds-backlogged-dna-rape-kits-before-sept-expiration/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=H.R.777 - Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2019 |date=30 December 2019 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/777 |access-date=2023-03-15 |archive-date=2023-03-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315180030/https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/777 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2022, RAINN supported the [[EARN IT Act]], which removes blanket immunity for violations of laws related to online [[Child pornography|child sexual abuse material]] (CSAM). U.S. Senators [[Richard Blumenthal]] and [[Lindsey Graham]] introduced bipartisan legislation to incentivize tech companies to remove child sexual abuse imagery on their platforms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/what-they-are-saying-advocacy-groups-and-survivors-voice-support-for-the-earn-it-act|title=What They Are Saying: Advocacy Groups & Survivors Voice Support for the EARN IT Act|website=Senator Richard Blumenthal|date=February 8, 2022|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215202502/https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/what-they-are-saying-advocacy-groups-and-survivors-voice-support-for-the-earn-it-act|url-status=live}}</ref> Also in February, RAINN partnered with [[Deborah K. Ross| Congresswoman Deborah Ross]] and [[David Joyce (politician)|Congressman Dave Joyce]] on the  Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) Act, which is designed to address the nationwide shortage of [[Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner|Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners]] (SANEs) and improve care for survivors of sexual violence. It bill was also endorsed by the [[American Nurses Association]] and the [[National Network to End Domestic Violence]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ross.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-ross-joyce-introduce-bipartisan-bill-address-shortage-sane|title=Representatives Ross, Joyce Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Shortage of SANE-certified Nurses, Improve Care for Survivors of Sexual Violence|website=Congresswoman Deborah Ross|date=February 15, 2022|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215202500/https://ross.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-ross-joyce-introduce-bipartisan-bill-address-shortage-sane|url-status=live}}</ref> 

In April 2022, ''[[Business Insider|Insider]]'' published an article about RAINN's workplace culture in which 22 current and former staff members alleged racism and sexism. A rape survivor story by a higher-ranked Navy physician was chosen to be published on RAINN's web site, but later was not published due to Berkowitz not wanting to jeopardize RAINN's $2{{nbsp}}million contract with the [[United States Department of Defense]]. When ''[[The Lily Washington Post|The Lily]]'' interviewed a woman for [[International Women's Day]], she said she was tired of the homophobic lies about the LGBTQ community, which risk the murder of black trans women. The interview noted the woman was employed at RAINN. RAINN's vice president of communications said the interview was "too controversial" and might jeopardize RAINN's contract with the Department of Defense, and the employee was fired later that day.<ref name= insider>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Bradford William |title=Insiders say RAINN, the nation's foremost organization for victims of sexual assault, is in crisis over allegations of racism and sexism |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/rainn-crisis-racism-sexism-employees-say-hollywood-corporate-america-2022-2 |access-date=March 1, 2022 |publisher=Business Insider |date=Feb 25, 2022 |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228155741/https://www.businessinsider.com/rainn-crisis-racism-sexism-employees-say-hollywood-corporate-america-2022-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Six of RAINN's executives resigned soon after ''Insider'' published its investigation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mark |first1=Michelle |last2=Davis |first2=Bradford William |title=6 executives depart RAINN following employee allegations of racism and sexism at the organization |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/rainn-executive-departures-insider-investigation-racism-sexism-allegations-2022-4 |access-date=18 April 2022 |publisher=Insider |date=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=18 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418030132/https://www.businessinsider.com/rainn-executive-departures-insider-investigation-racism-sexism-allegations-2022-4 |url-status=live }}</ref>

RAINN supported the '' PROTECT Our Children Act of 2022'', which passed the [[United States Senate]] on November 15, 2022, as well as [[United States House of Representatives|Congress]] on December 6, 2022. The act reauthorizes funding for the [[Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force]] (ICAC) and provides support to investigate and arrest perpetrators of sex offenses against children.<ref name=Congress>{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4834|title=S.4834 - PROTECT Our Children Act of 2022|website=Congress.gov|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214054707/https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4834|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C6AF8A7E-5923-4A08-9857-B40483CF1166|title=Senate Passes Bill to Reauthorize Task Force Combating Child Exploitation|website=United States Senator for California Dianne Feinstein|date=November 17, 2022|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215193114/https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C6AF8A7E-5923-4A08-9857-B40483CF1166|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2022, RAINN collaborated with [[HBO]] on an original documentary series titled ''Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo'', which tells the story of child sexual abuse within the [[La Luz del Mundo]] church.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hbo.com/unveiled-surviving-la-luz-del-mundo|title=Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo|website=HBO|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215211052/https://www.hbo.com/unveiled-surviving-la-luz-del-mundo|url-status=live}}</ref> 

===National Sexual Assault Hotline===
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a 24-hour, [[Toll-free telephone number|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.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline | title = National Sexual Assault Hotline | publisher = RAINN | access-date = April 21, 2010 | year = 2009 | archive-date = June 2, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160602233319/https://rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-hotline | url-status = live }}</ref> Since 2008, RAINN has provided anonymous, on-line crisis support through its National Sexual Assault Online Hotline via [[instant messaging]].<ref>{{Cite news  | last = Kornblum  | first = Janet  | title = More Abuse Victims Able to Get Help Online  | newspaper = [[USA Today]]  | date = April 14, 2008  | url = https://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-04-13-online-abuse-hotlines_N.htm  | access-date = July 17, 2011  | archive-date = September 28, 2011  | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110928103252/http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-04-13-online-abuse-hotlines_N.htm  | url-status = live  }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Foley|first1=Mick|title=The Wrestler and the Cornflake Girl|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2010/09/the_wrestler_and_the_cornflake_girl.html|website=Slate|access-date=10 February 2018|date=28 September 2010|archive-date=9 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009145334/http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2010/09/the_wrestler_and_the_cornflake_girl.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 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..."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/04/prweb5222394.htm|title=Mick Foley Launches #10forRAINN Twitter Challenge, Matching Donations to $10,000; RAINN's Newest Board Member also Hotline Volunteer and Donor|access-date=2018-02-10|archive-date=2016-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414071419/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/04/prweb5222394.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.tnawrestling.com/news/item/2573-Watch-Mick-Foley-s-Appearance-On-CNN-Headline-News-Discussing-RAINN Watch Mick Foley's Appearance On CNN Headline News Discussing RAINN] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415000343/http://www.tnawrestling.com/news/item/2573-Watch-Mick-Foley-s-Appearance-On-CNN-Headline-News-Discussing-RAINN |date=April 15, 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.rainn.org/mickfoley Mick Foley's #10forRAINN Campaign | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414234611/http://www.rainn.org/mickfoley |date=April 14, 2011 }}</ref>

During the ''[[ Depp v. Heard]]'' trial, RAINN noted an increase in hotline calls. RAINN says it provided help to 28% more people in May 2022 than in May 2021, and, on verdict day, it served 35% more people than on average.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/06/03/advocates-fear-effect-depp-heard-trial-on-accusers/|title=Advocates fear effect of Depp-Heard trial on accusers|website=Mercury News|date=June 3, 2022|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215211827/https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/06/03/advocates-fear-effect-depp-heard-trial-on-accusers/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the premiere of ''[[Surviving R. Kelly|Surviving R. Kelly III: The Final Chapter]]'', calls to RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline increased by 46%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/surviving-r-kelly-reckoning-hotline/|title='Surviving R. Kelly' Sequel Increases Calls To Sexual Assault Hotline By 40%|website=Essence|date=December 6, 2020|author=Paula Rogo|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219165502/https://www.essence.com/entertainment/surviving-r-kelly-reckoning-hotline/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===RAINN Day===
RAINN sponsors an annual campaign geared toward raising awareness and educating students about sexual violence, bystander intervention, and recovery resources on college campuses. Since 2018, RAINN Day is held every April to coincide with [[Sexual Assault Awareness Month|Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM)]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.1800runaway.org/2012/09/who-is-rainn-and-what-is-rainn-day/|title=Who is RAINN and what is RAINN day?|date=2017|website=National Runaway Safeline|access-date=2018-02-13|archive-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829110141/https://www.1800runaway.org/2012/09/who-is-rainn-and-what-is-rainn-day/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rainn.org/articles/rainn-day|title=RAINN Day|date=2018|website=RAINN|access-date=February 13, 2018|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829110211/https://www.rainn.org/articles/rainn-day|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Public positions==
RAINN has published press releases in support of multiple survivors facing media scrutiny, including [[Christine Blasey Ford]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rainn.org/articles/rainn-statement-kavanaugh-vote|title=RAINN Statement on Kavanaugh Vote|date=2018|website=RAINN|access-date=November 4, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022221352/https://www.rainn.org/articles/rainn-statement-kavanaugh-vote|url-status=live}}</ref>

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":<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/evanmcsan/native-american-activists-argue-feds-building-keystone-will|title=Native American Activists Argue Feds Building Keystone Will Lead To Rape|last=McMorris-Santoro|first=Evan|date=2014|website=BuzzFeed|access-date=November 4, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404185618/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/evanmcsan/native-american-activists-argue-feds-building-keystone-will|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{blockquote|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.}}

When a former staff assistant in Joe Biden's U.S. Senate office alleged that Biden had sexually assaulted her in 1993, RAINN tweeted, 

{{blockquote|We appreciate Vice President Biden finally addressing [[Joe Biden sexual assault allegation|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.<ref>{{Cite tweet |last= Drevna |first= Heather |author-link= |user=RAINN |number= 1256229857161293829 |date= May 1, 2020 |title= RAINN Response to Biden Addressing Tara Reade's Allegations |script-title= |trans-title= |language= |retweet= |location= |access-date= |link= |quote= RAINN Response to Biden Addressing Tara Reade's Allegations: "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. |ref=}}</ref>}}

== Controversies ==
In 2014, RAINN attracted controversy for its criticism of the concept of [[rape culture]] and its promotion of primarily criminal justice system solutions in its recommendations to the [[White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kitchens |first1=Caroline |title=It's Time to End 'Rape Culture' Hysteria |url=https://time.com/30545/its-time-to-end-rape-culture-hysteria/ |access-date=March 19, 2022 |publisher=[[Time magazine|Time]] |date=March 20, 2014 |archive-date=October 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010074902/http://time.com/30545/its-time-to-end-rape-culture-hysteria/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In response, [[Zerlina Maxwell]] created the hashtag "#RapeCultureIsWhen."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maxwell |first1=Zerlina |title=Rape Culture Is Real |url=https://time.com/40110/rape-culture-is-real/ |access-date=March 19, 2022 |publisher=Time Magazine |date=March 27, 2014 |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404203703/https://time.com/40110/rape-culture-is-real/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Wagatwe Wanjuki,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wanjuki |first1=Wagatwe |title=RAINN's recommendations ignore needs of campus survivors of all identities |url=http://feministing.com/2014/03/14/response-to-rainn-campus-rape-recommendations/ |access-date=19 March 2022 |publisher=Feministing |date=2014 |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414081848/http://feministing.com/2014/03/14/response-to-rainn-campus-rape-recommendations/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Amanda Marcotte]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/03/rainn-attacks-the-phrase-rape-culture-in-its-recommendations-to-the-white-house-task-force-on-campus-sexual-assault.html|title=RAINN Denounces, Doesn't Understand the Concept of "Rape Culture"|author=Amanda Marcotte|date=March 18, 2014|website=Slate|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216212121/https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/03/rainn-attacks-the-phrase-rape-culture-in-its-recommendations-to-the-white-house-task-force-on-campus-sexual-assault.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jessica Valenti]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-we-need-to-keep-talking-about-rape-culture/2014/03/28/58acfec4-b5bf-11e3-8cb6-284052554d74_story.html|title=Why we need to keep talking about 'rape culture'|author=Jessica Valenti|date=March 28, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216212146/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-we-need-to-keep-talking-about-rape-culture/2014/03/28/58acfec4-b5bf-11e3-8cb6-284052554d74_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and others asserted that rape culture exists and denounced relying on the criminal justice system to prevent sexual violence on college campuses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.autostraddle.com/rainns-recommendations-to-college-campuses-on-protecting-students-from-sexual-assault-call-for-fighting-violence-with-violence-230368/|title=RAINN's Recommendations On Protecting College Students from Sexual Assault Fight Violence with Violence|author=Maddie|date=March 26, 2014|website=Autostraddle|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030148/https://www.autostraddle.com/rainns-recommendations-to-college-campuses-on-protecting-students-from-sexual-assault-call-for-fighting-violence-with-violence-230368/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=David |title=Using a comprehensive approach to preventing sexual violence |date=March 4, 2014 |url=http://www.preventconnect.org/2014/03/using-a-comprehensive-approach-to-preventing-sexual-violence/ |website=Prevent Connect |access-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-date=February 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202153119/http://www.preventconnect.org/2014/03/using-a-comprehensive-approach-to-preventing-sexual-violence/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In February 2025, journalist Mady Castigan noted that RAINN had recently removed references to trans people and trans survivors of sexual violence from their website as well as their entire "inclusion policy" on which groups they intend to serve. Castigan speculated that the change was related to the [[Second presidency of Donald Trump|second Trump administration's]] restrictions on funding [[Executive Order 14168|trans-supportive organizations]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mady |first=Castigan |date=February 17, 2025 |title=Capitulation: RAINN, NSVRC, and NCMEC Remove Nearly All Mentions of Trans and Nonbinary People |url=https://www.madycast.com/p/capitulation-rainn-nsvrc-and-ncmec |url-status=live |access-date=February 18, 2025 |website=MadyCast News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Milton |first1=Josh |title=Top anti-sexual-abuse group accused of 'obeying Trump' after 'erasing' trans people |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/top-anti-sexual-abuse-group-accused-of-obeying-trump-after-erasing-trans-people/ar-AA1zsB3k |access-date=27 February 2025 |agency=MSN |publisher=Metro |date=February 20, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hernandez |first1=Angie Orellana |title=Anti-sexual-assault group cuts mentions of trans people to keep funding |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/02/18/rainn-trans-language-removed/ |access-date=27 February 2025 |publisher=Washington Post |date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> RAINN also prohibited employees and volunteers answering phone calls and text chats from recommending specialized resources for the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups.<ref name="nytimes-15may2025">{{cite news |last1=Astor |first1=Maggie |title=Top Sexual Assault Hotline Drops Resources After Trump Orders |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/well/rainn-dei-trump-executive-orders.html |access-date=May 15, 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Post-assault treatment of sexual assault victims]]
* [[Rape in the United States]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.rainn.org/}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network}}
[[Category:Sexual abuse advocacy and support groups]]
[[Category:Advocacy groups in the United States]]
[[Category:Rape in the United States]]
[[Category:Incestual abuse]]
[[Category:501(c)(3) organizations]]
[[Category:Charities based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:1994 establishments in Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1994]]