How Long?

The evidence collected after a sexual assault will go into, what is sometimes referred to as, a rape kit. According to research, there are thousands of unopened and untested rape kits being kept in cold storage.  In October 2008, the Los Angeles Police Department had 7,495 untested rape kits. When kits are tested for DNA evidence, it creates a unique DNA profile. That profile is uploaded to state and national databases of violent criminals. If the uploaded profile matches one that already exists in the database, it’s called a “cold hit.” Adding DNA profiles to the national database raises the potential for offenders to be caught.  

In Maine, a complaint must be filed in order for a kit to be opened and tested. If a victim isn’t ready to file a complaint right away, evidence can be collected anonymously. Law enforcement is then required to keep that evidence for at least 90 days. 

According to University of Massachusetts Rape Specialist David Lisak, 71% of rapists are repeat offenders. Some rape crisis workers, like Gail Abarbanel, who founded the Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica, California, see victims and wonder, “Did that person have to be raped?” Could the evidence in those unprocessed kits have prevented another assault?

So, why aren’t kits tested? Is there a financial barrier? Of course. DNA testing is expensive and must be performed by a specialized technician. What about the emotional barrier? Is it worth the potential trauma of revictimizing someone who’s chosen not to file a complaint? What do you think we should we be doing?

Watch the entire Now episode at the PBS website "Justice Delayed."

Read more at the CBS website, "Untested Rape Kits Lead to More Crimes."

Read even more at CNN, "Raped at 13, victim fights to eliminate rape kit backlog."