Evaluation of the RAINN National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

ABSTRACT

This article describes the evaluation of rainn National Sexual Assault Online Hotline, a new model for delivery of rape and sexual assault crisis services through a secure, confidential chat-based online hotline. Outcome data from 623 visitors and 54 volunteers for the first 11 months of the program are presented. The results indicate that the model is viable and useful for approximately 80 percent of visitors, and volunteers are satisfied with the program. Recommendations for program development and further research are presented.

KEYWORDS:

• Crisis intervention
• program evaluation
• rape
• sexual assault

Notes

∗Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jerry Finn

Jerry Finn, PhD, is a professor at the University of Washington, Tacoma.

Penelope Hughes

Penelope Hughes is RAINN Director, Online Hotline, Washington, DC.