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.
EndTheBacklogJuly 17, 2017
State Coalitions and Survivor-Centered Policies
Today’s guest author is Chris Kaiser, Director of Public Policy and General Counsel at the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA). Texas recently became the first state in the nation to enact all of our six legislative pillars of rape kit reform. Here, Chris shares TAASA’s advocacy efforts to enact a statewide tracking system and ensure policies are survivor-centered.
EndTheBacklogJuly 17, 2017
Survivors' Voices Drive Rape Kit Reform in Texas
Today’s guest author is Wendy Davis, former Texas state senator and founder of the advocacy organization Deeds Not Words. Here, she discusses the rape kit reform laws she sponsored in the Senate and addresses the need for survivors’ voices to drive policy solutions.
EndTheBacklogJune 20, 2017
Inside Look: Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Meeting
Insights from the annual Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) meeting in Washington, D.C. last month.
EndTheBacklogJune 20, 2017
Mid-Year Review: State Legislative Reform in 2017
Read more about the status of our campaign to enact comprehensive rape kit reform in every state.
EndTheBacklogJune 16, 2017
Testimony of Mariska Hargitay in U.S. Congress on National Rape Kit Reform
Joyful Heart Foundation Founder and President Mariska Hargitay testified on Capitol Hill June 16, 2017 before the new Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence about the national rape kit backlog.
EndTheBacklogMay 12, 2017
Coming Together for Rape Kit Reform in Oklahoma
Danielle Tudor is a survivor and advocate from Oklahoma who has worked on rape kit reform legislation across multiple states. Here, Danielle shares her experience collaborating with stakeholders and elected officials, and, as a member of the task force, her hopes for further reform.
EndTheBacklogMay 8, 2017
Justice Delayed: 20 Years Later, a Conviction
On August 30, 1997, an 18-year-old woman was walking home from a friend’s house in Columbus, Ohio when a stranger violently attacked and raped her. Last month, 20 years after the attack, Joseph E. Carter was finally convicted for rape.
EndTheBacklogApril 17, 2017
Four Myths About the Backlog of Untested Rape Kits
This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are challenging the myths that stand as obstacles to meaningful rape kit reform.
