(CNN) There are plenty of reasons why sexual assault victims stay silent about their abuse. But there's a catalyst that spurs many to come forward.

When one person alleging sex assault faces the glare of the national spotlight, many more speak out in private.

On Thursday, the day Ford testified in front of senators and the whole country, the sex assault hotline saw a 201% increase in calls compared with a typical day, RAINN spokeswoman Sara McGovern said.

Early estimates by RAINN on Thursday indicated the hotline had experienced a 147% increase in call volume compared with an average day. The organization updated that figure Friday.

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