Help end the backlog of untested DNA evidence from unsolved crimes.

Ending the Rape Kit Backlog

Based on public reports, we know that at least 100,000 rape kits have sat, untested, in evidence rooms, warehouses, and the like. These rape kits often contain DNA evidence collected through a sexual assault forensic exam, a medical process where evidence is collected from a victim’s body and clothes. Ask Congress to prioritize funding that helps to eliminate the rape kit backlog, ultimately holding more rapists accountable and giving all victims an equal chance for justice.

Making a call to your Representative? Consider these talking points:

My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a constituent.
Did you know that across the country, more than 100,000 rape kits—evidence from sexual violence crimes—have gone untested, leaving criminals free and victims without answers and healing?
I am calling to ask for the [REP./SENATOR]’s support in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget for programs that will help us to get to the root of the rape kit backlog, ensure that more rapists are held accountable, and help survivors get answers they deserve.
I would appreciate and will be on the look out for the [REP./SENATOR]’s support for continued level or increased funding for the Justice Department’s work under the Debbie Smith Act and Sexual Assault Kit Initiative in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget.
Thank you for your time and consideration.

Help end the backlog of untested DNA evidence from unsolved crimes.

Send them an email.

Dear [REP./SENATOR]:

As Congress considers the Fiscal Year 2019 federal budget, I ask you to support funding to address the nation’s backlog of untested DNA evidence from unsolved sex crimes, commonly referred to as the “rape kit backlog.” Based on public reports, we know that more than 100,000 sexual assault forensic evidence kits (“rape kits”) sit untested and unaccounted for, gathering dust on evidence room shelves or in warehouses. Each kit represents a victim who deserves justice and a potential serial criminal who may strike again.

As your constituent, I ask you to support funding that will help us get to the root of the problem and ensure that every victim who comes forward has an equal opportunity for justice. Specifically, please support continued funding for the purposes of the Debbie Smith Act, which ensures that public crime labs have the capacity to meet testing demand, as well as for the Bureau of Justice Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which supports community-based, coordinated responses to end the rape kit backlog.

This matters to me because [YOUR REASON], and I will look for your support for these critical efforts. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Send them a tweet.

The rape kit backlog is currently one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence.

Out of every 1,000 sexual assaults, 310 are reported to the police.

More Stats

A $25 monthly gift can educate 15,000 people about preventing sexual violence. Can you think of a better way to spend $1 a day?

Donate Monthly