RAINN is expanding its trauma-informed support services for sexual violence survivors.
The US-based non-profit is doing so with AWS, adding WhatsApp to its service operations and opening up a new access point to everyone looking for support.
In doing so, RAINN is leveraging the Amazon Web Services’ End User Messaging Social solution.
The offering enables developers to integrate messaging capabilities into their applications, enabling two-way conversation alongside time-sensitive alerts and one-time passwords.
However, RAINN will focus on that critical two-way communication piece, as it engages with survivors of all ages in English and Spanish.
In doing so, the organization can deliver critical interventions quickly and securely.
“Survivors, especially young survivors, are using social messaging apps more than ever before to access support,” added Scott Berkowitz, President and Founder of RAINN.
AWS enables RAINN support specialists to connect with survivors where they are already communicating and maybe most comfortable seeking support.
Expanding RAINN’s support services is the latest step in the organizations’ collaboration.
In December, RAINN won a grant from AWS Imagine to explore how it could create these on-demand hotlines, utilize generative AI safely, and enable new support mechanisms.
Additionally, the organization embedded its National Sexual Assault Hotline into social media, networking, and gaming websites – expediting its trauma-informed support services.
By doing so, RAINN hoped to deliver more crucial interventions where people already communicate. With its new WhatsApp channel, it’s doubling down on that strategy.
“With demand for RAINN’s victim service programs growing, we knew we needed to quickly scale existing applications if we were going to meet people where they are,” noted Bill Bondurant, Chief Technology Officer for RAINN.
“We worked directly with the AWS team to build this highly scalable WhatsApp solution with support in both English and Spanish, and we’re excited to keep pushing the envelope to reach more survivors and loved ones who need our help.
There are so many other social and digital gathering places where people will benefit from having in-app support from RAINN, like Discord and Snapchat, and together with AWS, we can expand the network of hope, courage, and community for those who need us most.
RAINN will share more of its story during the AWS Customer Experience Day 2025.
The occasion offers AWS the opportunity to present more customer studies, including how other businesses are using its CPaaS solutions, alongside its broader customer experience portfolio.
Its Amazon Connect CCaaS platform is one of that portfolio’s star attractions.
Recently, AWS launched the next generation of the solution, embedding first-party AI across the platform. It also released the Salesforce Contact Center with Amazon Connect.
However, don’t expect this event to bring many more product updates. This is a chance for customers and prospects to learn from their peers, like RAINN.
Happy to share more on RAINN’s story, Jeff Kratz, VP of Worldwide Public Sector Non-Profit & Industry Sales at Amazon Web Services, stated: “AWS values the opportunity to help mission-oriented non-profit organizations reach their audiences through the use of emerging technologies like cloud and generative AI services.
We are proud to be the preferred cloud service provider for RAINN, as they address critical issues in online safety and offer a solution designed to provide a secure option for people to contact them whenever they need it.
For all US readers looking to access support, explore RAINN’s WhatsApp channel here.
