U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) on Tuesday introduced a bipartisan bill that would reauthorize federal grants for the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s primary provider of services to survivors of sexual violence.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline Grants Reauthorization Act, H.R. 4229, which Rep. Joyce cosponsored with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH), would reauthorize federal grants for the National Sexual Assault Hotline (NSAH), which is operated by RAINN.
“Crimes of sexual violence are much more common than most people realize,” said Rep. Joyce, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. “The harsh reality is that the COVID-19 pandemic put countless Americans at an even greater risk for these crimes, especially children. Thankfully, many survivors have been able to rely on the National Sexual Assault Hotline for anonymous support, advice and often lifesaving information.”
Rep. Kuster, also a founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, called the NSAH a vital national resource.
“NSAH’s call volume reached a staggering record high in 2020 and it is clear that action must be taken to ensure it can continue to respond to this demand,” she said. “I’m proud to team up with Congressman Joyce to reauthorize key federal grants for NSAH that have been dormant for years. It has never been more essential for federal funds to leverage and supplement the critical work of NSAH to protect survivors.”
“It is critical that we do everything we can to maintain this hotline for survivors to turn to in the wake of sexual assault or abuse,” added Rep. Joyce.
RAINN endorsed the bill.
“Since March of 2020, as the pandemic led to stay-at-home orders, the majority of victims receiving help from our online hotline have been minors,” Scott Berkowitz, president of RAINN said. “This reauthorization will help RAINN meet this increased demand, and we appreciate Reps. Kuster and Joyce for standing with survivors and leading this effort.”