Across the country, the rape kit backlog is making headlines. Journalists are uncovering backlogs, jurisdictions are implementing reforms to track and test rape kits and citizens are taking action. In the Media Center, you'll find the latest information about the backlog, including: commentary from the ENDTHEBACKLOG staff and backlog reformers, first-person testimonials from those impacted by the backlog, an archive of news articles, op-eds, investigative reports, legislation and government publications we've identified, and more.
THE BACKLOG BLOGJanuary 13, 2015
Detroit Launches Fundraising Initiative to Address Rape Kit Backlog
On Tuesday, January 6th 2015, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Detroit Crime Commission, and Michigan Women’s Foundation announced a new public-private collaboration for justice: Enough SAID (Sexual Assault in Detroit).
THE BACKLOG BLOGDecember 19, 2014
Manhattan District Attorney Seeks Input from Jurisdictions with Rape Kit Backlog
As the Manhattan DA’s office continues to develop their grant program, they are now looking for input by key stakeholders of jurisdictions with untested rape kits.
THE BACKLOG BLOGDecember 10, 2014
Statement of Manhattan DA Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. On Congressional Funding To Help Eliminate Rape Kit Backlogs In Cities Nationwide
Inclusion of $41 Million in Omnibus Spending Bill Follows D.A.’s Commitment of $35 Million Last Month
THE BACKLOG BLOGDecember 9, 2014
Sexual Assault Survivors Given Hope in Congressional Spending Bill
$41 million to address the nation’s rape kit backlog is in the FY15 spending bill released by congressional leaders.
THE BACKLOG BLOGNovember 26, 2014
Cold Case Convictions: Detroit
An untested rape kit from 1988 was recently tested in Detroit, leading to the arrest and conviction of serial offender Michael Eugene Swygart. Twenty-five years after the rape took place, Swygart has been sentenced to 40-75 years in prison on charges of criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping.
THE BACKLOG BLOGNovember 21, 2014
Cold Case Convictions: Tennessee
This week in our Cold Case Convictions series, where we highlight cases in which the testing of rape kits years later helps bring perpetrators to justice, we turn to Tennessee.
THE BACKLOG BLOGNovember 18, 2014
New Orleans Police Department Special Victims Section Fails To Pursue Hundreds of Sex Crimes
A recent examination of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) revealed that five seasoned detectives of the Special Victims Section failed to pursue over 800 sex crime cases between 2011 and 2013.
ENDTHEBACKLOGNovember 14, 2014
A Watershed Moment to End the Backlog
This week, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance announced $35 million in funding for jurisdictions to test backlogged rape kits—the single largest financial contribution toward ending the rape kit backlog.
