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- Cause
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- AwarenessMental Health
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- United States
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- Observed annually in April
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- 🎗️
RAINN Day takes place on April 14 (2026), serving as a crucial annual outreach by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. This day advances the nonprofit’s mission to prevent sexual violence and support survivors. Get involved by learning about prevention, advocating for change, and supporting vital resources.
Want to sponsor RAINN Day? Learn how
History of RAINN Day
The organization behind RAINN Day, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, recently celebrated 25-years (in 2019) delivering help and hope to the survivors of sexual violence on college campuses. RAINN is changing the way people think and respond to sexual violence in general by shining a light on a topic that is uncomfortable for most people to discuss.
RAINN was founded by publishing businessman Scott Berkowitz in 1994 after getting involved in the issue locally at the prompting of a friend. His original vision for RAINN was to create a telephone hotline for victims after hearing stories first-hand from survivors and volunteers. Twenty-six years later, RAINN is the nation’s leading authority on the issue of sexual violence. RAINN ‘s scope of work today includes coordinating both a national 24-hour phone hotline and an online chat hotline where victims can access confidential help, providing community education, and working to improve public policy at both state and federal levels of government.
Since its inception, the National Sexual Assault Hotline has answered the calls of more than three million young men and women whose lives were shattered by sexual violence. They’ve published multiple press releases in support and on behalf of survivors facing media scrutiny, including Dr. Blasey Ford.
RAINN Day timeline
Original vision was to run a victim phone hotline service.
Tori Amos’s concert generates tremendous nationwide awareness and response to RAINN.
RAINN commemorates one million callers to the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
RAINN president and founder Scott Berkowitz holds a live Q&A for supporters.
A new peer-to-peer support service goes beta.
RAINN celebrates 25 years of service.
The COVID-19 global pandemic forces events to be held online.
RAINN Day FAQs
When is RAINN Day?
RAINN Day 2026 is observed on Tuesday, April 14. This annual event raises critical awareness and support for survivors of sexual violence.
How many people are affected by sexual violence?
According to RAINN, approximately one in six women and one in 45 men in the U.S. have experienced attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Millions more experience other forms of sexual violence.
What services does RAINN provide?
RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE), connecting survivors with local support. They also provide public education, advocate for policy change, and offer resources for college campuses.
Is RAINN Day related to Sexual Assault Awareness Month?
Yes, RAINN Day is a significant event within Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), which is observed every April. It’s a focal point for RAINN’s campus outreach and public education efforts.
How to Observe RAINN Day
Sponsor a fundraiser to support survivors
The RAINN organization provides online fundraising tools so you can easily create your own digital fundraising campaign. One popular theme is to “Pledge Your Birthday” as a fundraiser. RAINN provides this free customizable online platform where you can invite friends, family and coworkers to celebrate your special day by making a tax-deductible donation to RAINN.
Volunteer where you live
Thousands of sexual assault service providers nationwide partner with the National Sexual Assault Hotline and need volunteers to answer hotline calls and fill other important roles. You can search on the RAINN website for service providers near you. Give one a call to learn how you can help them support victims in your local community.
Post on Social Media
Use your social media voice to speak out loudly against sexual violence on college campuses. Include the National Sexual Assault Hotline number in your posts: 1-800.656.HOPE. You can also include the URL at rainn.org or rainn.org/es for Spanish. There are hashtags for RAINN pages on popular social media sites: #LetsGetLoud, #RAINNDay, and @RAINN01 on Facebook. You can also promote the “Rainn Day Instagram Challenge” on Instagram.
Five Disturbing Statistics About Sexual Violence On College Campuses
Happens more often during first semester
More than half of sexual assaults on college campuses occur during the first semester of the school term, in the months of August, September, October, or November.
Female college students at risk
Women ages 18-24 attending college are 3 times more likely than women not in this category to be the victim of sexual violence.
Most violence is not reported
Only 20 percent of female student victims, ages 18-24, ever report sexual violence incidents to law enforcement.
Non-traditional genders are most targeted group
21% of the TGQN community (transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming) on college campuses have been sexually assaulted, compared to 18% of non-TGQN females, and 4% of non-TGQN males.
Stalkers
4.2% of college students report they have been stalked since entering college.
Why RAINN Day is Important
Awareness
RAINN Day shines a spotlight on a serious but rarely discussed societal problem. RAINN Day provides a safe environment for students to discuss the topic of sexual violence openly with their peers, learn about prevention and understand how and why to report sexual harassment. RAINN Day allows students to connect with their peers and build comradery to keep their campus safe.
Empowerment
RAINN Day empowers young adults on college campuses to report sexual harassments and assaults to campus police and off-campus local authorities. Campus police play an important role in stopping sexual predators and putting offenders behind bars.
Encouragement
RAINN Day encourages victims of sexual violence to speak up and tell their story. RAINN Day events give survivors a voice to share their stories, which encourages other survivors to do the same. Support is vital to a survivor’s recovery. Attending a RAIN Day event is often the first step a survivor takes to begin their healing journey.
