National Sexual Assault Hotline: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

Dear PSA Director:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, children have been at increased risk for abuse, particularly sexual abuse. With limited access to safe places like schools and trusted adults who are the most likely to spot and report suspected abuse — such as teachers, coaches, and pediatricians — many children have been suffering in silence and isolation. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) has seen an increase in the number of minors, often trapped at home with an abuser, reaching out for help during the pandemic. RAINN has observed this trend, even as official reports of suspected child abuse have declined.

As schools reopen this fall, it’s critical that adults know what to look for and how to recognize the signs that a child might be experiencing abuse. RAINN is here to help.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE (4673) or online.rainn.org) continues to operate 24/7 as a free and confidential service during this critical time, and we want to ensure that survivors and those who care about them know there is help available and that they are not alone.

RAINN is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. The support of media organizations such as yours is vital to our mission of ending sexual violence in America. We urge you to include these messages wherever you can in your programming to help ensure that survivors of sexual violence, especially children, and their loved ones know there is a place to turn for the help and healing they deserve.

Heather Drevna

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
202-301-8908
heatherd@rainn.org

1220 L ST NW, Suite 500 | Washington, DC 20005