Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)

Contacting rainn, sharing my story, and just interacting with them was traumatizing. The website has many non functional features that even the hotline people are not aware how to get it work. Unfortunate that it is the only option for sexual assault victims.

Just got off the line with rainn. They gave me ten minutes and then shifted me to another service. After I said I didn’t feel like I had anywhere safe to go to discuss my sa trigger that has me shutting down atm. So instead of making room to communicate and coregulate she shuffles me to some other org to wait on hold. Let me help you rain: everyone that contacts u is in mental health crisis. You specialize in sa mental health crisis. You sending people away because they know enough to call it what it is … that not help its further trauma. So now you were the last straw. That final help hotline that threw me away the same way drs do. The same way men do. Thanks so much for showing me i was right that people like me arent wanted anywhere and no one wants to help us, just get off on abusing someone they know everyone else didnt value.

Horrible service to survivors. Please don’t bother. They are so bad

If I could give no stars I would. I'm in my 40s and working through processing some really horrific events that came up in my EMDR sessions regarding my childhood. I has searched high and low to find any sort of local support group of other individuals, whether in person or virtual, who are adult survivors of childhood SA and incest and the lengths of google, as well as my own personal resources turned up... nothing, except an org in another state that's near me, which on supports their local community.

So... I called RAINN in a state of shear desperation. The chat started fine, LOTS of caveats they had to go through, and I understood I wasn't to share any personal details. Well... I needed to find something freaking somewhat local so I stated, "I found this org in OR but I'm in WA so I'd like to see..." I was abruptly cut off and shamed for stating the STATE I'm in... a state of 7.7 million people. "MAAM! You SAID YOUR LOCATION (tone was condescending and rude) and I'm going to have to report you if this happens again." WT ACTUAL F?! How the eff am I supposed to get help finding something local-ish if I can't even say the state where I'm looking for services? Honestly, I would've taken any national, virtual, resources too but I wasn't sure what was out there.

I was already on the verge of tears when I made the call and now filled w/ shock I said, "uuuuuh ok..."

They proceeded to basically do the same freaking google search I did, though with their own list of resources. Spoiler... RAINN doesn't have any access to something special w/ regards to resources. In fact, since you're not even supposed to say the state you're in they just list off the resources they already have on their site. Btw - I did tell them I had already read everything on their site and found nothing. I get there are a lot of people who may not have access to the internet or aren't able to use it but I explicitly said I had already looked at their resource page and it was unhelpful.

Anyway... I ended the call with "this was absolutely unhelpful. BYE!" and I hung up.

I will never ever recommend anyone experiencing SA in any form use this organization. NEVER.

Btw - for 1 in 5 individuals (1 in 4 women) experiencing childhood SA in this country there are terrifyingly little resources for us.

Back in 2012 and earlier, the reviews were positive. As of recently, the reviews have complained of the same unhelpful behaviors: they're rude, they hang up on you, they don't listen. And my review is no different.

I use the help line, because I felt distressed and my "soothing" tips weren't working. I wasn't hopeful that it will be helpful. I connected with Joy2 and said that I felt triggered. Then, I explain that I am sex trafficking survivor who was tricked into by my classmate. Joy2 response was, "Have you been on here before?"

I messaged that I haven't. She responds that she believe we've been connected before a couple times and she's asking because she doesn't know if she could help if I am on here again. I responded that I haven't. She said something along the lines that she understands and she wanted to get back to conversation.

As someone who is paranoid by privacy because of sex trafficking, I became suspicious of their spiel she gave in the beginning where she said that everything is anonymous and she won't ask for my personal information. She explains that she believed we connected before because she heard the same story. If she's a "helper" to survivor of sex crimes she should know that what happened to me happens often to others. But, also isn't the helpline to those in distress? I feel sorry for those who need to reconnect with the helpline, because they're in the same troubling situation and they're needed help. because as a sex trafficking survivor, I've called the police multiple times in need of help. I know many friends who needed contacted a hotline multiple times and it save their life.

Then I proceed to tell her that I came onto the hotline because I felt triggered and my usual methods don't work. Then, she asks me, "Well how can I support you?". I told her that the methods my therapist gave me doesn't work. She asked me how is therapy? I don't see how that pertained to what I needed, but I answered her. She then said that is great. At this point, I'm thinking of ending the chat, because it is not helpful. But, I repeated how I felt distressed. She told me to take a warm bath. Then told me that her shift ends in 20 minutes. But, most of it was spent proving that I haven't been on the chat before.

I said I understand, then I went on to explain in detail what my trigger was like hoping it would give her some idea of what else I could do. Her response was that she understands how difficult everything could be.

Then, I explained more. She said she understood...again. Then she said her shift is ending and she was wondering if I needed to talk about something else. I told her "That's fine, I understand. I just needed to know how to calm down." She responds with an attitude and said, "I thought we discussed taking a warm bath...". I said, "I know. I was just saying that I came on here to understand how to calm down and we discussed that. Do I just end the chat?" She said, "Oh okay, sorry. Yeah, you're fine to end the chat."

I don't get what they're there for if that is all they can offer. Also, the attitude and assumptions were just not helpful. There were no "resources" offered like they advertised. Everything she did, I could've gotten off of a google search or one of their articles.

It's crazy how there are so many positive reviews from the workers, but not for the hotline users. Also, why isn't there more online spaces to leave public reviews for RAINN.

My story spans decades. It is only in the last five years I began to remember all of the things that had happened due to a sudden trauma that broke down the mental barriers to recall that had been formed to protect me from the trauma. I have spoken to RAINN directly by written letter and their affiliated shelters by referral through the hotline. The shelters were often rude and dismissive to me as a CIS male survivor. I NEVER received any form of support or helpful advice or referrals despite being a victim of repeated domestic violent both with weapons and without weapons being used against me. I was assaulted by many people over the course of my life and during a marriage. The story had extreme consequences. There was loss of life and there were hospitalizations. The representatives seldom took the time to help me and would routinely interrupt the call and disclosures to take emergency calls because there was only one volunteer manning the lines. I was not able to get legal aid. We experienced retaliation by perpetrators both directly and indirectly. We were displaced from our home and had to continue moving because we could not get protection and no one offered advice or support because of sex, race, and gender-based stereotypes due to how they perceived my identity versus who I actually was. My appearance did not reflect my character or how I viewed myself as an individual. As a result the help I got was nonexistent. It was entirely lacking. I felt abandoned and experienced a deep sense of betrayal by those charged with providing assistance to victims and survivors of rape, incest, and assault. Having been a victim of all three I was extraordinarily angry and experienced a measure of disappointment that could not be quantified with the RAINN Hotline and the representatives at regional centers across multiple counties, townships, and states in The United States. If this is what people have to rely on, they are doomed. Its not a mystery to me why so many victims end up murdered as John or Jane Does in the morgue, on drugs, homeless, terminally ill, or turning to prostitution because they have no non-profit resources to turn to in order to get real support. If you meet any victim criteria, I implore you to look somewhere else. While you suffer with or without child dependents, RAINN sits back and takes donations while claiming to be a non-profit leader that helps victims (falsely). They do not provide any of the support they claim to. If they do it is likely based on your perceived sex, gender, and race rather than your actual circumstances and any evidence you might present. I was never even asked if I could prove the claims I had about what had happened to me or people I was protecting from further harm. RAINN is a disgrace to non-profits everywhere. The call center experiences I had were deplorable. Things I was told were judgemental and rude. One shelter told me I was not a Christian because I had premarital sex with someone I found to be a victim of incest after the fact. I was seeking support for that person in addition to my own background as a repeat survivor of assaults by many people. It is not a call center representative's place to criticize consensual sexual activity between adults with whom it is legal to have relations. This is just one of many, many complaints I have about the hotline. They kept trying to refer me to other state level legal aid offices whom I had already contacted and been turned down by repeatedly. All of these legal aid offices are funded by Congressional Mandate under umbrella of The Legal Service Corporation. We were turned down six times without explanation. As time has gone on I have remembered many horrors which I could not share with legal aid or others because I could not provide recollection at the time of what had happened due to the use of drugs against me to facilitate physical attacks and sexual assault. Immeasureable anger and utter disgust is what I feel towards RAINN.

I called earlier and was able to vent, called later because I was still struggling and my manic behavior was seen as being inebriated and as soon as she could she told me she had another phone call to take essentially saying all of my talking wasn’t valid and I could be passed around again after explaining that being vulnerable was one of my biggest insecurities. Just talk to a legitimate professional and see where that goes. These people don’t care about you.

This site is clearly a scam, not only do they not offer any sort of assistance but they will hang up on and harass anyone actually suffering from sexual assault PTSD. Would not recommend to my worst enemy.

I was drugged and tortured as a child by RAINN staff in their Human Trafficking side hustle. And to cover it up they then attempted to murder me!

Such a horrifyingly terrible organization. The fact they get any publicity or credit to helping people just shows how money wins all and screw the rest of us who are suffering.

I’m a victim of extreme 10 years of abuse. I reached out to authorities who pulled the nothing we can do because “he said she said” and “you have no proof you didn’t want it at the time.”

Ok, fine…I expect that from cops at this point. Years of therapy didn’t help either. So my sister urged and encouraged me to reach out to RAINN. I initially reached out by phone which was gut wrenching enough as I’m not exactly trying to relive my trauma. Never spoke to a person once. I was on hold for 3 hours being forced to listen to donation ads so I naturally hung up.

My sister urged again to try their online chat option. Well…that was 40 times worse. SEVEN TIMES I went on the website and it was always a “visitor” queue of 40 plus people and it never went down. I kept my window open for LITERALLY over 24 hours and it only got to 29. I still NEVER spoke to a person.

I tried the “recommended” chat group. Which was basically and unmoderated group of survivors talking to each other, the only positive I guess of it. But again unmoderated so we each had to just talk each other through our traumas reliving it and figuring out how to help guide each other on our own. I didn’t need to log on to the website for that.

Ironically, I’m currently writing this review waiting in a queue again. I understand these are volunteers and too many people are survivors of this but don’t tout yourself as the best when you have absolutely no one helping anyone and just demand donations.

Be honest, you don’t have enough volunteers for how many people are in this situation. Admit it’s a problem and stop asking for money, because that’s not what a survivor needs to hear for hours on end.

We’re looking to be heard. Not forced to hear.

This website also might be a farce as I never received my “email verification” to prove I’m a person suffering.

I was working with a young women who wanted some help regarding a sexual abuse. I used the number provided by the website and we sat through 5 commercials!!! The website is far more donation and promotion focused than victim services. We were very disappointed, she was discussed as this seems to be the norm. I continue to be amazed at social service websites focus on donation and promotion first and services secondary.

VICTIMS DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME! THEY ARE NOT PROFESSIONS OR SPECIALISTS.
Women in their chatrooms are being assaulted as we speak and their on-duty specialist says NOTHING. There are woman who are saying they are going to hurt themselves in the chatrooms and their "specialists" say NOTHING!!!!!! I mention how most men blah blah blah because I was the only one answer other victims questions on why men will not stop touching them. The specialist then butts after misreading my paragraph and says I was being offensive to say all men when I said most men....but please say hi to Wise Owl.
I was trying to obtain information about date rape. Your specialist wasted an hour and a half after I had waited THREE HOURS TO SPEAK to Someone and they directed me to a link on their website and ENDED THE CHAT!

How so very sad how this Organization works ( RAINN and 1in6 inc ) in my Opinion has set up a very Profitable business under a 501c3 nonprofit to create some very hi paying jobs for themselves the ceo and board again this is my Opinion. I had no one to talk to or nowhere to go so I looked online and I find plastered everywhere on the net many story’s Similar to mine from ( RAINN ) contact us 24/7 for support to talk to someone so I did the rep ? On the phone advised me that a one on one Counselor could be up to a 2 to 3 month wait but we have a group meeting in your city i agreed on a group session as I felt more Comfortable in a group of my pairs this session went very good for me it was the first time I was ever able to share what happens to me after hearing the others in thus group there story’s where so very close as victims at a very young age of between 6 and 10 years of age I was the only bake in this group that was ok with me being we where all victims at a very young age in this group I learned a lot about boundary’s from some of the others in this group and how to deal with them, the Moderator in this group was an older woman felt kind a like a mother image that I was able to share my story with at ease.
I returned next week and when I entered the room the older woman-Moderator was not there
A younger woman was in her place and Janet said that the older woman was a temporary helper Volunteer as I sat down at the Conference table and Without even Addressing me or asking what brings me here to this group as I sat Quietly just listening for 45 minutes looking at the clock on the wall as she needled every participant in that room and more less about and directed straight at me and when there was not much of any response from the group she looked me straight in the eyes and said “ I am a victim of sexual assault “ this was at the end of 45 mins on the clock. The next hour went just fine with the group. At the end of this group session this Moderator-Counselor after everyone was leaving she said that thus group may not be for me and that I should seek a one one one Counselor I said that I was advised that can be a 2 to 3 month wait she then said “ I don’t mean to cut you off but I’m out of time look online to Psychology today and find a counselor there “ more less do not come back ? I left so hurt I felt more of a victim as a victim I felt very strong that she is or was very recently involved in a bad Relationship and had taken it out on me being I was the only male in this group, I left there very depressed feeling and a Long drive home from there in another city with this very hurt feeling in me, it’s not my fault what had happened to her I was there for my heeling and dealing with pain my self. Long story short
A day before the next group meeting I was contacted by The receptionist at that office And she stated that the counselor there said I was not welcomed by that group and they where uncomfortable by me being there in that group, I later found out that was a total lie as I was Approached later bye group Attendees I was asked why I did I am not returning to any of the sessions and I advised her of the comment made by the moderator and that I was contacted by the receptionist at that office I was advised by this attendee at a previous meeting that this was totally false and that the group was fine with me being there we all shared like stories and all was going just fine she was surprised to hear that.
I later complained about this issue someone stated to me from that office that this Moderator Would’ve had to have completed her own counseling for her issues before moderating one of these groups
So in that statement it appears she still has issues with men from her being a victim of some kind of abuse - so I felt blamed for her issues.
I later contacted the director of that center ( Kathleen ) about what took place in that room I told her that I think this session was recorded being that this Moderator had the same phone as mine and Wreckonize the record read beeping on her phone throughout the entire meeting the director Kathleen said these sessions are not recorded i again ask her to ask the Moderator to her The recording that I believe was made on her phone so that she can hear how I was attacked throughout that session without me even saying a word I kept silent as the entire group was being Prodded Suggestive comments And when that didn’t work she looked right in my eyes and made her comment that she was a victim of Sexual assault.
So there must have been a recording as I Suspected Because as I was driving with my wife within two hours of that communication with the director Kathleen I was contacted by that moderator almost exactly enough time to hear that entire recording while on speakerphone my wife listen to the entire communication between us moderator and me nothing but apologize is over over and over I said I will be returning to the next meeting that it works for me there’s no issues between anyone in that room or me otherwise I would have excused myself if I felt anyone was triggered by me being in that room we all We all shared near like stories of childhood abuse this next group session went well Except for at the end of the group session the moderator I noticed as I was leaving pulled aside someone from the group outside the building and was talking to her and I got the gist is in my opinion as she looked over towards me leaving it was aimed at me well sure enough it was because I later received a call that was again.welcome to that group that they felt uncomfortable with me being there.
Here’s where it gets very sad again Depressing I have attended Several yoga classes and after this last incident at the group session and when I was in the yoga class at the end of the class I ask the instructor if there was another trauma related stress release yoga class Closer to my city as this was too far for me to drive up here to another city just for the yoga although the yoga worked very good for stress is too far there is no more group session that I was asked not to return - as I just said that the Moderator from that group just happen to be in that class must’ve saw me walking in she jumped on me saying you don’t need to tell the instructor anything and I replied yes I can ask if there’s any other classes that are not related to the your women’s rape crisis center there’s nothing wrong with me asking that and I told her I would not be returning here because I was not welcome in that group and that statement came from you not the group - here’s where it gets Very interesting as I was leaving this yoga class and was witnessed by sober others in that group which I did not know were even in that class I was approached by one of the group attendees and she was very curious as why I have not been to the last group sessions and what happened that I’m not returning and when I said you heard it for yourself she stated wow that’s not true at all she was there there’s no sentimental or anything against me from the group in anyway she was looking forward to me returning to the group So I went the following week to one more yoga class and one of the same group members started a conversation as I was leaving and as she approached the office with moderate or was it looked as if she was in fear of being seen talking to me so she backed away just made me feel really hurt you don’t know how hurtful this was I left and I never returned this is not right ( RAINN ) Does not Screen it’s Counselors and or moderators for these type of group sessions this is very discriminative it is extremely discriminate against males. I ask some of the other Attendees in these groups if there have ever been other male victims in the sessions and they said yes but only once or twice and they’re gone so I feel it was the same discriminate action that removed all male victims from these groups and not the group them selfs attendees in these groups if there have ever been other male victims in the sessions and they said yes but only once or twice and they’re gone so I feel it was the same discriminate action that removed all male victims from these groups Just as what happened to me but I tried to hold on and it did not work.
So now I am Researching the structure of the RAINN and 1in6 inc organizations and other political venues. I am now attending Many political event I am not a politician in anyway but I am a fast learner and have met with many Congressional candidates And governor to be candidates
To discuss my issues with and look for other areas of support for victims of these type of assault and trauma related issues there has to be better Resources for victims then ( RAINN ) and ( 1in6 inc ) There are many flaws in your system does not work for all It needs tweaking badly.

More than an hour on hold, snarky response to"well what do you want us to do for you" message sent to contact person- "oh so sorry not what we want to be reflected (paraphrased) no follow up no assistance. At a different time I tried to contact again- this is not for people in crisis-only options after " well do you want me to tell you who to contact" really I can google who to contact in my area without being on old for an hour. Feel as though they misrepresent their mission statement/ goals.

As a child I'd spent 9 years in an atmosphere of physical, mental and sexual abuse. As an adult, recreated that chaos and chose partners who affirmed my own self-loathing. I fell deep into addictions and constantly let my guard down while drunk or "relaxed" on Rx meds. During the seventh year of my marriage, I became pregnant by a man that was not my husband during such a time. My husband and his family told me that I had to choose between my unborn son and my children. Though it broke my heart, I decided to give him up for adoption. Shortly after that, I left my husband. Over the years, beginning from the end of my marriage in my late 20's and ending the last time when I was 39, I was raped four times -- that I can remember. I believe there were other times, but I have no proof because I was passed out. I was a single mom of three during this time. When I was 35, one of those rapes resulted in a pregnancy. I chose to place my child for adoption, and the grief from this increased my Rx drug and alcohol use. I was very careful to drink and use when my kids spending weekends with their dad. Years later, when I got my 1-year sobriety coin, they told me they never knew I had a substance abuse problem. I went to work, did what had to be done, but finally it all fell apart. After 16 years on my own, in six months I fell in love and got married. Not long after I discovered he was the worst abuser of my life. His abuse caused me to lose my sixth child in my seventh month of pregnancy, only a year and a half after I'd given up my daughter for adoption. Not long after my son died, this man tried to molest my teenage daughter. His excuse: It was my fault his son died. I immediately -- the same night -- kicked him out of my house. He began threatening me, broke into my house, threatened to kill me, left notes on our son's grave and stalked me to every job I found, quit, and found again. I finally became so overwhelmed by fear and anxiety that I ran to the other side of the country. I took only my youngest son. While I ran from one ex- the other ex, the kids' dad, sold what I believed was my house. He'd never put my name on it though a judge, because of over $9k in back support, had ordered him to do so. He also dumped all my furniture and everything I owned on the curb for the trash and anyone who wanted it to take. Then he found my friend's ex-husband to represent him to get custody. This man had a score to settle with me as well. I'd tried to help his ex-wife defend his own bid for custody after she found him in their bed with his secretary. After she had to spend nearly a quarter million dollars in lawyers fees, and after over two years of this attorney's tricks, she gave up and he got full custody. She'd been a stay-at-home mom and loved by all who knew her. I knew that with zero money I had no chance against my ex with this man representing him. So after 16 years, I did not contest his bid for custody. I knew our children would once again be the ones to pay. My oldest son was in 8th grade, and my daughter a senior in high school. This was a terrible time to have everything torn away from them, but their father cared for nothing but revenge. We lost everything. Two years later at age 39, I was raped by a long-time "friend" at a party. When I recovered the next day, I knew I had to get help. I went to my first AA meeting the next day. After I became clean and sober, I looked for help. I found RAINN and they put me in touch with a free service in my town. My counselor is a beautiful person and she helped me find my way out of the worst darkness. It is my life's goal to continue my volunteer work helping women and children in DV shelters and to pay RAINN back as a RAINNmaker for the rest of my life. I have forgiven every one of my abusers after many years of deep soul work. I am not the same person I used to be. I love my life and am grateful for every day. If not for RAINN's 800 number that was so easy to remember all those years ago, and their compassion and just being there, I don't think I'd be alive today.

It was my first semester of college, only being there three months, I have made only a handful of friends. My roommate and I decided to go up to my friends dorm room, he was have a couple people over so we thought it would be fun to check out. Everyone had left except for myself, I decided to help my friends clean up. One of my "friends" who lived in the room was starting to flirt with me, which I didn't mind so my other "friend" who lived there decided to leave to give us some privacy that we didn't need. I found myself being dominated by my "friend" who had held me down and raped me. As I was telling him to stop his roommate and my "friend" came into the room while I was telling him this and he proceeded to do nothing. He finally stopped and I was able to get back to my room. Over the next week I found myself extremely depressed, lost all motivation and when my friends would ask me what happened I would just break down and cry. I was just unable to talk about it aloud and with the lack of privacy I had I felt like there was nowhere to turn. This is when I came across RAINN. They have a service where you can talk to someone online, just like you are talking to a friend on the internet. I told them every detail of the incident, told them what I was feeling, everything. It has been just over a year now since the incident and I believe without RAINN I would not be alive today to speak about how much they truly changed my life around, give me my power back as a woman and be able to come out as a stronger person.

I selected general member of the public but consider myself a volunteer of RAINN. I first ran across RAINN in the early stage when internet usage was expenses. However, the information I found helped me journey toward being a productive person. I am a rape surivor and struggled with dealing with it because I was not getting the correct counsel. I started reading RAINN website and utilized the tools and resources listed on the site. I took the online training tools and over time became empowered as I realized my story was just one of many. I never called the Hotline but I knew it was there. I returned to the site often for updates and kept abreast with all the latest news and actions. Finally I sought out how to volunteer and was given the name of nearest sexual assault center in my area. I contacted them and have been active with volunteering with them. I think this is over all the best site because it covers three major areas that it hard for some to discuss. There help if one wants it but also information for those wanting to help. I have referred many individuals and feel next to 911 it should be the number one resource everyone should know. I am a RAINN Maker and could not image the volunteer outreach I do now without RAINN. I talk to so many who do not want to speak with a counselor and I always encourage them to go to the website and many of them have told me they did. No one will ever know how many people the site actual help. I have printed screen shots and shared which has helped and many last minute presentation have been saved by getting the most current and up to date stats. I can't say enough about how it helped me and equip me to help empower other.

I am on the RAINN Speakers Bureau and I enjoy being part of RAINN. I am a survivor of childhood molestation and I was silent for over ten years. I started speaking out last year in April 2011. I found RAINN through The Joyful Heart Foundation. I am grateful for RAINN because of the Online Hotline. I use them on occasion. I am grateful to have a place where I can find hope and peace. RAINN helps so many survivors. I thank you RAINN for all you do.

I belong to an organization called R.A.I.N.N. - Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network, which focuses on raising sexual awareness for children, teens, adults, women & men. Dealing with rape & incest issues is widespread throughout our country. Having a personal story, and being a survivor, I will present to audiences, ways in which rape, date rape and incest can be prevented. R.A.I.N.N. has many speakers which travel to different states, and within communities to spread the good news of survival and tactics, and help other victims through a painful experience, that will help them over come their ordeal. I am so grateful that I have been doing presentations for not only R.A.I.N.N, but for myself as well. ***This is my passion and my calling*** I recently did a presentation at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, where I compiled a powerpoint presentation on sexual awareness. I was very informative and detailed. I also am a professional Certified Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor-CASAC with a B.S. in Human Services & Mental Health Management. I will continue to venture out to more facilities, colleges, hospitals and churches as well as schools in the Tri -State and surrounding areas. ( NY, NJ, Ct.. ,Pa.,and Md. ***I want to thank R.A.I.N.N for being in existence***

I am a volunteer on the RAINN Online Hotline and it has been the best volunteer experience I have EVER had (and that's saying a lot, because my program in undergrad had a strong basis in community service so I have a lot of volunteer experiences). The training was very thorough and well-organized, and I found the group of volunteers with whom I trained to be a great source of motivation and support. Now that I am past training and actually volunteering, I am so incredibly grateful for the supervisors on the Online Hotline, who constantly provide me with feedback and help with difficult calls. They are some of the most encouraging and knowledgeable individuals with whom I've worked. Whether it is simply saying "you did a great job today" or offering me suggestions for handling difficult calls, I sincerely appreciate their assistance and dedication. Other volunteer support services include a newsletter and monthly online inservice. I find both of these resources incredibly helpful for staying up-to-date, having issues addressed/questions answered, etc. Volunteering itself has been a truly amazing and humbling experience. I am so incredibly moved by the survivors' stories, honored that they are sharing them with me, and grateful when I am able to provide them with some help, whether it's just listening to their story or helping them find concrete resources. It is by far the most satisfying volunteer experience I've had. I love doing it and I look forward to participating for years to come.

I just wanted to say how great i think RAINN are. Not only do they provide a great service of support for survivors like myself to go to when we need help, but they also reassure us that we are not alone and it is never too late to get help. I use RAINN's hotline when i need a reminder of this because they always make me feel supported and are great at what they do. Thank you RAINN!

RAINN provides a wonderful volunteer experience. The staff is incredibly encouraging and helpful. You receive a lot of training and supervision. While this work can be difficult, it is rewarding. Plus, with the emphasis that RAINN places on self care, you learn how to manage difficult sessions and learn how to identify when you are getting too involved with a specific chat. After you complete training, the time commitment is only 8 hours a month which you can do on your own time at literally any hour of the day. My experience with RAINN has been nothing but positive. If you are looking for a place to volunteer with that will really make you feel the direct impact of your work, RAINN is the place to go.

Being a RAINN volunteer is an amazing experience. You receive excellent training and supervision and are connecting with people in genuine distress, which is incredibly challenging but very meaningful and important work. I feel like being a RAINN volunteer is one of the most important things I do, even though it's only 8 hours a month, because you are helping to empower people and sometimes to even save their life.

What a fantastic organization! Cutting edge technology, a wealth of information and expertise from all the employees, and a wonderful spirit of indomitable spirit among the volunteers. I have been volunteering as an online hotline volunteer for over two years, and it has been a wonderful experience.

I've been a volunteer with the hotline since February 2010 and my experience so far has been great. It's been great being able to help people who have been affected by rape, abuse, and incest either as a victim or knowing someone who was.

I am really glad they have been able to expand their service to the military in a safe non-threatening environment.

RAINN is a fantastic organization and I am so honored to be a part of it. I have had the opportunity to really feel that people are being helped by this organization because of it's anonymity and because of the caring people who are involved.

RAINN serves as an awesome opportunity to give back to survivors and victims of sexual assault. I love when a visitor says, "thanks, you've helped me" or "I feel better now." It makes me feel good that I made a difference. RAINN is truly awesome!!!

I have been volunteering with RAINN since September 2010. I am in the Navy stationed in the greater DC area. I have personally been affected by sexual assault and have gone through the process of healing. I have changed my major from education to psychology and am going to get my masters in social work. RAINN is a wonderful organization with an awesome mission. My work as a RAINN volunteer has not only alowed me to help alot of people start to heal, it also has helped me continue to heal.

Working with RAINN on the online hotline is the most rewarding volunteer experience I've ever had.

I've worked with several non-profits over the past few years and RAINN is the only one that I have not become somehow disenchanted with. I truly believe that they are doing all that they can to provide the best services to the people they serve, and I feel that my work is appreciated and valued by the organization.

The online hotline is a brilliant service: I encounter so many people who don't have access to a phone, or are more comfortable typing than talking. The work can be challenging, but at the end of every session I know that I've helped someone get a little closer to getting their life back on track, a little closer to healing from incredible trauma. I'm grateful that RAINN has given me the opportunity to make such a difference in people's lives.

I've volunteered at RAINN for over a year now and it has been the most rewarding experience I've ever lived. Although recently I fractured my foot, ankle and toes and have been kept in bed for about 9 months and I truly miss the satisfaction I get from knowing I have helped a survivor by being there for him/her. I believe RAINN gives to the visitors a sense of knowing someone truly cares and that there is HOPE out there for them and that by contacting RAINN they find their little space of peace with people who truly care and give of their time for the benefit of others at the same time rewarding oneself with content and the power of knowing you've helped someone through a difficult time in their lives. I absolutely Love volunteering for RAINN and expect to continue after my full recovery of my left leg.

I've been a volunteer for RAINN's online hotline since October 2010. I spend about 8 hours a month helping people right from my home computer. It is an amazing experience. People have told me that I have saved their lives and have given them hope. It is an extremely powerful feeling to have a person tell you that you have radically benefited their life. RAINN's online hotline is a vital resource for those impacted rape & sexual assault. Being an online hotline volunteer is both personally rewarding and manageable for people with busy lifestyles.

I love volunteering here! I have been for a few months now. I got to know a lot of people at the corporate office during my training, and they were all friendly, devoted people. I work in the online hotline, and all of the people I have met on there have also been fantastic people. The work is satisfying, and they have realistic expectations about what you can and can't do as a volunteer. I highly recommend this nonprofit!

I had been doing volunteer work on the board of a nonprofit, and when I left, I decided I wanted to do more direct-service work. I also thought that I wanted to do some sort of online volunteer service. And, I had long wanted to help victims of sexual assault. I found RAINN through a Google search, and I knew immediately that it was the perfect fit for me. The training was superb, the people are phenomenal, and the Online Hotline is truly brilliant - they have thought of everything. I think the Online Hotline is one of the most innovative resources, and I especially love that they have partnered with the Department of Defense to make it available to service women and men. Serving as a volunteer on the Online Hotline is the most rewarding experience of my life.

As a survivor who has pretty much healed, I wanted to be able to help others, using my experience. I found this organization perfect as I work full time and being able to be home on the computer for an hour or two a few times a week is perfect. I think doing this work has helped so many people who had nowhere to turn. Just knowing they are talking to someone who understands really helps them. I've been told, "you are the first person I've ever told". What an honor that is! Then being able to give them some information in order to take some of their own power back is a great feeling.

For the first time in my life I feel like I'm actually doing something to help people. I'm cynical by nature and even though I love giving to charities and attending events, I am always skeptical of where my money goes because, let's be honest, people are corrupt. But working at RAINN enabled me to speak directly with victims and survivors of sexual assault and I was able to personally see the affect a kind, open-minded person can have on a traumatized individual. Not only did I feel like I was helping, but I KNEW I was helping.

I'm a volunteer for the Online Hotline and it has been a humbling and rewarding experience. RAINN does great work and offers support to both its users and its volunteers, which has made the experience much less overwhelming than I might have thought. I had previous experience and training with sexual assault response and victim support, but I had never done "direct service" with victims/survivors. The online training & the in-person training were very helpfu, but most importantly, the leaders of the training made it clear that I can call the office for support if I need it. They also have online forums and regular in-person social and training events so volunteers and can connect and share about their work.
I've found the online format to be a great way to reach out to people, as both the person seeking support and I have more time to formulate our thoughts. There are also volunteer supervisors on the hotline at all times if I have something tough to handle with a visitor.
I've been amazed that after each call, I've felt strong, not drained, because the people I'm talking to have moved towards (even if it's one small step), towards safety or healing.

To me, volunteering for the hotline is about connecting with people on a very human level – no matter where a visitor lives or what their background may be, I can provide compassion and support. So often when I interact with visitors, I feel humbled and inspired by their courage and resilience. I also love volunteering for an organization that is so compassionate, not only in terms of the resources for visitors, but also because I feel truly valued and supported as a volunteer. My overall experience has been challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to work with RAINN for a long time.

Being a volunteer for RAINN's online hotline has been one of the most incredible experiences. Volunteers are trained through an extensive 40+ hour training period, which includes in-person and online sessions and tutorials. The staff is beyond committed to giving their volunteers the best possible training so that they can feel prepared to assist hotline visitors to the best of their ability. It has absolutely been one of the most rewarding experiences, because I am able to put my passion of advocating for and assisting survivors of sexual assault into practice. RAINN is truly an incredible organization.

I have been volunteering since last year and this experience has changed my life. It makes you feel that you are hands on helping someone. The training is incredible, the support immense and it is so gratifying that it makes every second worthwhile. I work full time and this is something I do on th side but it has become a very important part of my daily life. Im very gratefull for letting the organization allow us to contribute in such an easy and fun way.

I have been an avid supporter of RAINN for years. Sadly, when a teen required assistance, and both myself and someone else attempted to contact RAINN repeatedly through different media for help for the teen - phone, online, twitter, and we were completely ignored. Perhaps RAINN has gotten too large to respond to everyone in need - or just those that are not high profile (I realize that not many care about foster children, as ill as this makes me personally). I had been under the impression that RAINN existed for those who couldn't find help elsewhere, but perhaps that has changed.
This makes me sad and frustrated, because I felt RAINN was on the front lines advocating for those who really needed it.
I hope I can trust RAINN again, because I would like to provide support for those who need it.
Unfortunately for the teen in question, she has not received any assistance, and the apathy and ignorance of those who are responsible for her has only made it worse.

RAINN is available 24/7 and I know it's a great place to talk. Since I don't know the person I'm talking to I don't feel like I will be judged. You will never talk to this person again. It's great to get things off your chest whenever you want. The only thing that I would possibly change is when you use the online could they ask a question on which gender you would like to talk to...I still get scared talking about my story to males. Just a suggestion. Other than that a great resource for survivors.

RAINN has helped me through a hard time and I am grateful to them all. I remember the sleepless nights that I once endured but thanks to RAINN's online hotline, I found relief.

Thank you, RAINN, for all services you provide and for truly caring and being there to help. This is crucial.

RAINN is available 24/7 as a hotline or on-line support service for families & survivors.
The organization has also been instrumental in addressing legislative issues, enhancing public awareness, organizing Hollywood actors/actresses for program themes accurate to survival and the crime of violence with sex.
RAINN is unique and has never failed to impress me as the core group for survivors.

RAINN is an incredible organization. I wish we didn't need them, but we do and they are a wonderful service for those in need. I really like how RAINN is so connected with society, they have innovative ways to get the word out about their services, and they allow people to support in many ways that allow the volunteer to put in however much energy that they want to and the volunteer is free to personalize their efforts.

I have friends who were raped or sexually abused. It can be hard to know how to help them or know what to say. One thing I never fail to mention is RAINN. Your organization does wonders for survivors. I have never gotten a bad review. I have taken up the role of being a RAINN advertiser. I mention the charity on a daily basis both in person and on social networking sites. I also make a monthly donation. Would I do that for a charity I disliked or had bad experiences with? RAINN is a big part of my life and I am honored to say that. I only wish I could do more! Keep up the hours work! By the way... I love the online hotline idea!! Amazing!

I encountered discrimination and was told I wasn't eligible to participate with the online hotline service provided by RAINN. It wasn't because I had over 20+ years in the social work/nursing field, it was because I admitted to being a survivor and found helping out in the field very healing. I was told that "we do not recommend volunteering on the Online Hotline as a healing or therapeutic activity so the Online Hotline would not be a good fit for you right now."

So now when one admits and is honest about their sexual abuse, it is cause for omission and be ostracized. I wasn't contacted for further clarification regarding their concern, just simply told no.