The Cause

Somewhere in America, a woman is sexually assaulted every 2 minutes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

RAINN 

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) operates and maintains the only nationwide rape crisis hotline, publicizes local counseling services, educates the public about the issue of sexual assault, and provides services to both member centers and state coalitions against sexual assault. When a victim calls the 800 number (1.800.656.HOPE), a computer at RAINN's phone carrier (MCI) identifies the caller's location by reading the area code and the first three digits of the phone number. Then, the call is connected instantaneously to the rape crisis center nearest the caller. If the line is busy, the call will be connected to the next closest member center. The local center answers the call as if it had come in directly, providing counseling and support. Every call is completely confidential. As of March 1, 2001, RAINN has 869 rape crisis center affiliates across America. Since its founding in 1994, RAINN has helped more than 500,000 victims of sexual assault. RAINN receives no government funding. The hotline is supported entirely by contributions from individuals and companies. More than 88 cents of every dollar raised is spent directly on services for victims, making RAINN one of the most efficient nonprofits in America. Worth magazine has selected RAINN as one of "America's 100 Best Charities." and was profiled in the December 6, 2001 issue. The article is available online here.

Jane Doe Inc.'s
SAVE MASSACHUSETTS RAPE CRISIS CENTERS Campaign

Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence brings together organizations and people committed to ending domestic violence and sexual assault.

The state’s Fiscal Year 2004 Budget eliminates 75% of public funding for rape crisis centers and sexual assault services in Massachusetts. The Conference Committee budget cuts these funds from approximately $2.5 million to $800,000. 

As a result:
13 of 18 Rape Crisis Centers may be forced to close, leaving only 5 Rape Crisis Centers with curtailed services in the state for thousands of sexual assault victims. 

Llamanos y Hablemos, the ONLY statewide 24-hour/7 days a week hotline for Spanish speaking victims of sexual assault, may cease to exist. It is also a community outreach and education program that focuses efforts in predominantly Spanish speaking communities throughout the state. Llamanos y Hablemos relies entirely on state funding and will stop operating unless alternative funds are identified.

RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Safety and Empowerment) Programs have been decimated. RISE advocates provide sexual assault and domestic violence services to the immigrant and refugee communities.

We must raise private funding to fill this gap while vigorously pursuing public funding. Legislative efforts and supplemental budgets can take several months....and survivors cannot afford to have these services shut in the meantime.

For more info on this campaign click here.