Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Resources
Reports and Publications
Seeking Victim Compensation in Sexual Assault Backlog Cases (2012)
National Center for Victims of Crime, DNA Resource Center
Sexual Assault Kit Backlogs: Survivor Perspectives (2012)
National Center for Victims of Crime, DNA Resource Center
Solving the Problem of Untested Evidence in Sexual Assaults (2011)
National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
The Road Ahead: Unanalyzed Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases (2011)
National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
Agency Summary
Report to the Attorney General on Delays in Forensic DNA Analysis (2011)
NCJRS Abstract
Making Sense of DNA Backlogs, 2010 - Myths vs. Reality (2011)
National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
NCJRS Abstract
2010 DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 - Report to Congress (2011)
National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
NCJRS Abstract
Eliminating the Rape Kit Backlog: A Roundtable to Explore a Victim-Centered Approach (2010)
Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice
Summary of the Proceedings
Untested Evidence: Not Just a Crime Lab Issue (2010)
National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
NCJRS Abstract
Making Sense of DNA Backlog - Myths vs. Reality (2010)
National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
NCJRS Abstract
2007 DNA Evidence and Offender Analysis Measurement: DNA Backlogs, Capacity and Funding (2010)
National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
NCJRS Abstract
Evaluation of the Impact of the Forensic Casework DNA Backlog Reduction Program (2008)
National Institute of Justice
NCJRS Abstract
DNA Analysis for "Minor" Crimes: A Major Benefit for Law Enforcement (2006)
National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice
Understanding DNA Evidence: A Guide for Victim Service Professionals (2001)
Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice
"I Used to Think The Law Would Protect Me" - Illinois's Failure to Test Rape Kits (2010)
Human Rights Watch
Testing Justice: The Rape Kit Backlog in Los Angeles City and County (2009)
Human Rights Watch
Interviews and Presentations
DNA: Critical Issues for Those that Work with Victims
This 24-minute DVD provides information for victim advocates, criminal justice practitioners, and others who work with crime victims about the issues involved in cases with DNA evidence. It highlights collection and preservation of evidence, as well as, victim notification and victim involvement in the process.
Backlogs and Their Impact on the Criminal Justice System - Panel at the 2010 NIJ Conference
NCJ 234786, June 2010, Panel Discussion, by Gerry LaPorte, Joseph L. Peterson, Kevin J. Strom, Dean M. Gialamas, Jeffrey Nye
Summary/Abstract | HTML (Transcript) | Audio (8 segments, 1:18:00)
Making Sense of the DNA Backlog - Interview at the 2009 NIJ Conference
NCJ 234711, June 2009, Remarks/Interview, by Kevin Lothridge, Kevin J. Strom, Greg Matheson
Summary/Abstract | HTML (Transcript) | Audio (5 segments, 1:02:46)
Sexual Assault: Obtaining DNA From Evidence Collected up to a Week Later
NCJ 235106, June 2009, Panel Discussion, by Lois A. Tully, Jack Ballantyne, Pat Speck, Mechthild Prinz
Summary/Abstract | HTML (Transcript) | Audio (4 segments, 59:23)
Helpful Links
The President's Initiative
The DNA Initiative provides funding, training and assistance to ensure that forensic DNA reaches its full potential to solve crimes, protect the innocent and identify missing persons.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center - Eliminating the Rape Kit Backlog
This special online collection provides information to help victim service professional engage in a multi-disciplinary dialogue about the issues and challenges involved with addressing the backlog of untested rape kits. It also includes information basic information for victims of sexual assault about the forensic examination process.
EndTheBacklog.org
Endthebacklog.org is an effort created by the Joyful Heart Foundation to shine a light on the existence of the rape kit backlog across the United States. The site is designed to serve as an educational platform for those who wish to educate themselves about the backlog and efforts that are being made across the country to eradicate it.
Human Rights Watch - The Failure to Protect
Through its Failure to Protect program, Human Rights Watch has been tracking the national rape kit backlog.
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
RAINN leads national efforts to improve sexual assault laws and policies. RAINN leaders have testified to Congress on issues ranging from DNA to sexual assault in the military, and are regularly consulted by members of Congress, state legislators and others working to improve the system.
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center - Sexual Assault Forensics
This site contains information for survivors of sexual assault, those supporting suvivors, and basic information about sexual assault forensics.
This project is supported by Grant No. 2011-TA-AX-K048 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this program are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.