How ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ may have helped raise awareness for sexual assault hotline

A recent episode of the TV drama “Grey’s Anatomy” may have influenced viewers to seek out resources for those who have experienced sexual assault. A March 2019 episode depicted sexual assault, after which the show’s lead actress appeared in a PSA and provided information for the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network hotline. Data from Google and Twitter searches in the two weeks before and one week after the episode aired revealed that searches for RAINN skyrocketed: Inquiries increased 41% more than expected. Tweets mentioning RAINN’s Twitter account increased more than 1,000% the day after the episode aired, and there was a spike in calls to RAINN’s hotline. The WHO and other agencies have tipsheets for Hollywood on other sensitive topics, but the study authors suggest something similar for sexual assault could further help raise awareness.