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.
EndTheBacklogOctober 20, 2016
Joyful Heart Foundation Commends Passage of Massachusetts Bill to Increase Transparency for Sexual Assault Survivors
Championed by survivor and activist Amanda Nguyen, the Massachusetts law requires law enforcement or any governmental entity that is responsible for sexual assault forensic evidence to preserve that evidence, including rape kits, for at least 15 years or for the statute of limitations whether or not a victim chooses to report to law enforcement.
End The BacklogOctober 17, 2016
Here’s What You Should Know About the Changes to our Website
If you’ve been to our website before, you might have noticed that we’ve made a few changes.
EndTheBacklogOctober 17, 2016
Landscape of Reform: State Legislation Enacted in 2016
This year, we saw incredible progress in the movement to address the untested rape kit backlog and to ensure justice for sexual assault survivors. In 2016, rape kit reform bills were introduced in 21 states, and 13 states across the country have enacted legislation to date.
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.
