Our Response

We have one clear, ambitious goal: to eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits across the United States and prevent the backlog from happening again. Through partnerships with government officials, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, advocates, lawmakers, media, and survivors, we are working to not only end the backlog but to reform the criminal justice response to sexual violence and survivors. Joyful Heart works to create a system that is transparent, accountable, and respectful of survivors’ needs.

We are currently working toward this goal through several major initiatives:

Six Pillars of Rape Kit Reform – Joyful Heart guides its legislative approach to end the backlog through our six pillars of rape kit reform. This six pillars focus on ending the backlog and ensuring it never happens again.

Public Policy – We are leading a nationwide advocacy campaign to secure policy wins that will effectively eliminate the backlog and ensure that newly collected rape kits are tested in a timely manner. Working with our pro bono partner Greenberg Traurig LLP, we have secured hundreds of policy wins across the country. 

Accountability and Compliance – Working with our pro bono partner Goodwin LLP, The Accountability Project has issued public records requests to law enforcement agencies and crime labs in 49 jurisdictions. So far, we have uncovered nearly 40,000 untested rape kits in 41 jurisdictions and brought to light the lack of consistent policies and procedures regarding the handling of rape kits.

Survivor Notification – Notifying survivors in backlogged kit cases years later can be difficult. Joyful Heart provides research and information that guides stakeholders in notification practices that do not further traumatize survivors.

Other Efforts – Joyful Heart provides training and technical assistance to those working to end the backlog, conducts research that supports survivors’ healing, and raises awareness about the backlog. These efforts include the award-winning documentary, I Am Evidence, and a PSA about the issue.