National Alliance to End Sexual Violence
  • NAESV C/O RALIANCE, 655 15th Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005

HOW TO EFFECT CHANGE

The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) works to ensure people who have been raped and sexually assaulted can get essential local services. Nearly half a million people are sexually assaulted each year, and violence occurs in schools, workplaces, and public spaces across all 50 states and US territories. NAESV promotes federal policies and funding that ensure that state and local programs can give those survivors the help they need to heal, find justice, and move forward. 

Sexual violence in the U.S. is a crisis that harms us all: its erodes families and public safety, burdens our health and justice systems, increases addiction and homelessness, disrupts schools and workplaces, and hurts our economy. Federal funding for survivor support and prevention is crucial. It helps to provide services, keep communities safer, and save money in the long run. Every dollar invested in local programs makes a real difference—helping survivors rebuild their lives after attacks and preventing future violence for all of us. Now is the time to invest in solutions. 

Research shows that when survivors have access to the services they need, they are more likely to heal, work with law enforcement to pursue justice, and reclaim their lives. Federal funding plays a vital role in protecting survivors of these horrific crimes—offering them not just safety, but the opportunity to rebuild and thrive. When that happens, our nation sees lower long-term costs, better public health, and safer communities.

Sexual violence is often underreported, but we know that demand for services by victims of these crimes in on the rise. A 2024 NAESV survey revealed that:

  • 58% of local survivor support programs reported increased demand for services.
  • 20% of rape crisis centers had a waiting list for trauma-informed therapy; 16% have a waiting list for support groups. 

The bottom line: Crimes of sexual violence are preventable. Survivors deserve access to real support, not waitlists. NAESV is working for strong policies, increased funding, and a future free from sexual violence—but we can’t do it without action from policymakers and communities. The time to invest is now.