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 END THE BACKLOG 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 BLOGSeptember 27, 2016
Test Rape Kits. Stop Serial Rapists.
Cleveland, Detroit and Memphis are all cities that discovered backlogs of untested rape kits. Testing these rape kits has resulted in the identification of more than 1,200 potential serial rapists.
END THE BACKLOGSeptember 26, 2016
Joyful Heart Foundation Applauds $38 Million Awarded to Support Comprehensive Rape Kit Reform
The federal government announces more than $38 million in grants to support community-based rape kit reform efforts.
END THE BACKLOGSeptember 23, 2016
Our Response to the Rape Kit Backlog News in Hawai‘i this Week
True change cannot come without collaboration and partnership, and we stand ready to serve to help bring justice to survivors in our state—and across the country.
END THE BACKLOGSeptember 20, 2016
The Honolulu Star Advertiser: Police miss deadline on rape kits
All four of Hawaii’s county police departments have failed to comply with the Sept. 1 deadline.
END THE BACKLOGAugust 18, 2016
U.S. DOJ Finds Baltimore Police Failed Sexual Assault Survivors
In a report released this month, the U.S. Department of Justice criticized the Baltimore Police Department for violating the constitutional and legal rights of Baltimore residents.
END THE BACKLOGAugust 17, 2016
Remembering Lauren Smith's Passion for Justice
We all like to think we are motivated by a desire to do good and to see justice be done. Our friend Lauren Smith - sadly departed from us last December, too soon - spent her time every day trying to make that kind of difference in the world.
END THE BACKLOGJuly 27, 2016
The Ohio Supreme Court Just Delivered a Major Ruling Affecting Survivors and the Rape Kit Backlog
Today, the Ohio Supreme Court ensures a path to justice and healing remains open for survivors affected by the rape kit backlog.
END THE BACKLOGJune 29, 2016
New External Resources
A summary of new resources on the rape kit backlog now available.
