Taylor Swift's $1 victory over former radio DJ David Mueller Monday encouraged her to make a pledge to help victims of sexual assault. But it's her voice that has proven to make an even bigger difference than her donations.

ABC News reported that the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN, saw a 35 percent increase in the use of its national hotline from Friday to Monday. "Seeing someone that they respect, that they identify with [say they've been assaulted], has a big impact," RAINN's president Scott Berkowitz said. "I think that will encourage others to come forward."

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A sign displaying a Taylor Swift lyric across the street from court following the verdict in the civil case of Taylor Swift vs David Mueller.

In her testimony about the 2013 incident, Swift alleged Mueller inappropriately touched her at a meet-and-greet. "He stayed latched onto my bare ass cheek as I lurched away from him," she told the jury in her civil suit. "It was a definite grab. A very long grab."

Berkowitz argued Swift's fearless attitude during her trial made her a "hero" because it was a stark contrast to the shame many victims often tend to feel. "I think this could have a long-term impact and help shape the conversation," he said. "While the circumstances of assault are different, [Swift] can still serve as a symbol for sexual assault—that you don't have to take it."

Mike Domitrz, founder of The Date Safe Project, also told ABC News he saw an increase in sexual abuse survivors sharing their personal experiences on the organization's Facebook page following Swift's trial. "People are going to debate, 'Is this sexual assault or is that just someone trying to be boorish?'" he said. "This is the definition of sexual assault—touching someone sexually without their consent. When we can get to that conversation, it opens up a whole new realm."

For her part, Swift gave an undisclosed but "generous" amount of money to the Joyful Heart Foundation. The organization for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse was founded by Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress Mariska Hargitay, who also appeared in Swift's "Bad Blood" video.

"I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this," Swift said in a statement after her trial. "My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves."

The conversation is still taking place online, days after the verdict. Survivors and organizations continue to speak out about this issue and their support for Swift on social media.

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If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, you can contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE or visit their website.

From: ELLE US
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Eileen Reslen
I’m Eileen, the digital news reporter at Hearst Digital Media. I report on entertainment, politics and lifestyle news across 17 different magazine brands. I’m fluent in Spanish and have worked as an on-camera host. Interests include fashion, fitness, and travel.