Untested rape kits have been collecting dust in law enforcement storage rooms for decades. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) responded by promising to process them for around $350 million. The objective? to provide long-overdue justice to survivors and imprison offenders.
Years later, that promise remains unfulfilled.
Thousands of Kits, Few Convictions
Since 2015, the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has funded the testing of 100,000 kits. Yet, USA TODAY’s investigation found that roadblocks remain:
- Minimal convictions – Only 1,500 convictions have resulted, with nearly half coming from just two cities: Cleveland and Detroit.
- Cases that were closed without any action While processing kits, many law enforcement agencies do not conduct additional investigations.
- Survivors left in the dark: Despite DNA evidence connecting them to serial rapists, some victims never receive a response on their cases.
Only one conviction has been obtained in areas like Austin, where there was a backlog of more than 4,400 kits. Krystal Allison, a survivor, was unaware that her assailant was connected to another rape until she was notified by media.
A Weak System Disappears to Survivors
Reluctance on the part of law enforcement to revisit cases is not uncommon. Some authorities refuse to look into the matter, even when DNA matches are found. Others deny claims due to circumstances of survivors, such substance addiction or traumatic events.
- Out of 1,100 backlogged kits, just eight convictions were made in Mobile, Alabama.
- In Charlotte, North Carolina, 14 convictions came from 2,300 kits.
Some agencies claim that convictions take time, but a lack of data tracking leaves the full impact unknown.
Survivors Have Additional Responsibilities
Law enforcement’s inability to prioritize sexual assault cases was exposed by the backlog of untested rape kits. Not much has changed despite the DOJ’s efforts to rectify that injustice. For many survivors, justice is still elusive because there is insufficient responsibility and appropriate action.
There has to be a cultural change that prioritizes survivors, makes sure the evidence is examined, and ensures that law enforcement takes action based on the findings. Untested rape kits will continue to serve as a sobering reminder that justice has not been done until that time.
Source: USA Today