When law enforcement investigates a case of sexual violence, DNA evidence can sometimes make or break the outcome. DNA evidence has become a routine part of investigating and prosecuting all types of crimes, but it’s not without some challenges.
The overwhelming backlog of DNA evidence is currently one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence.
During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.
Preserving DNA evidence is a key tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence.
The Debbie Smith Act intends to eliminate the backlog of untested and unanalyzed DNA evidence by providing the resources to process evidence and add these samples to the national DNA database.
The SAFER Act supports efforts to audit, test, and reduce the backlog of DNA evidence in sexual assault cases and bring perpetrators to justice.
RAINN is part of a team of national experts providing technical assistance and support to cities and states around the country that receive SAKI funding to tackle existing and future backlogs.