For Immediate Release: May 14, 2021
Contact: Olivia Hall, media@endthebacklog.org
NEW YORK — The Joyful Heart Foundation (Joyful Heart) today applauds Governor Lee in the signing of HB0039 — a bill that gives survivors of sexual assault in Tennessee the right to obtain information about the status of their rape kit, set required kit handling timelines, as well as establish a state-wide rape kit tracking system. After years of working alongside Representative Freeman, other legislators, and local advocacy groups perfecting this bill, Joyful Heart is thrilled with the signing of H.B. 0039 into law.
Behind every kit is a person — a sexual assault survivor — waiting for justice. We stand with every survivor who has taken the step of reporting the crime to the police and endured an invasive examination in search of DNA evidence left behind by the attacker. Giving survivors access to information through an online tracking system about their kits can help counter the loss of self-determination and control that is often at the core of a sexual assault experience.
“Sexual assault victims should have the right to obtain information about the status of their rape kit, however most leave the hospital and never hear again about it. This is damaging to survivors and their wellbeing,” said Ilse Knecht, Joyful Heart’s Director of Policy and Advocacy. “In our 2016 report Navigating Notification, we found that access to information about the status of their cases can promote healing for survivors of sexual assault and counters the loss of control that is at the core of the sexual assault experience. By enacting this bill, legislators are signaling to all survivors in Tennessee that they — and their cases — matter. Furthermore, rape kit tracking systems increase accountability and transparency in the rape kit handing process, ensuring all kits are tested.”
Joyful Heart has developed a national campaign to pass comprehensive rape kit reform legislation in all 50 states framed around six pillars for reform. With the passage of HB0039 Tennessee has now enacted four of our six pillars of reform. Learn more at: http://www.endthebacklog.org/tennessee
If you would like an interview or additional comment by Ilse Knecht, please feel free to contact media@endthebacklog.org to set up an interview. Additionally, you can learn more about our legislative efforts throughout the country at ENDTHEBACKLOG.org.