Debbie Smith Act Leads to 192,000 DNA Matches

The Debbie Smith Act (DSA), the federal government’s primary tool to eliminate the backlog of untested DNA evidence from unsolved rape cases, is responsible for nearly half of all matches to the FBI’s DNA database, CODIS. Now, Congress is about to consider whether to renew the program for five more years.

A bipartisan group of representatives has introduced a House Resolution to encourage state legislatures to support sexual assault kit reform legislation to ensure the collection and timely testing of sexual assault kits—sometimes called “Rape Kits.” Part of the resolution will be to make sure sexual assault victims have the right to a sexual assault advocate and the ability to track their sexual assault kit results.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, but dating violence can happen at any age, and that’s why it is important to be able to recognize what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable in a relationship. While there are no guaranteed ways to prevent abuse or assault, there are some basic safety tips people can keep in mind when interacting over the internet or meeting in-person.

RAINN’s president, Scott Berkowitz, has joined the advisory council for Match Group, which runs Tinder and other dating platforms. He will be part of their advisory council, bringing together leading industry experts to maximize the safety of millions of users worldwide. "I am honored to join the Match Group Advisory Council (MGAC) and am pleased that Match Group has taken this step to proactively address safety,” said Berkowitz.

RAINN today received a $2 million grant from CBS to continue its efforts to help survivors of sexual assault through its victim services programs. "Ending sexual violence takes everyone working together. This generous support will make it possible for us to help tens of thousands more survivors," says Scott Berkowitz, president and founder of RAINN.

“This year, we have seen the longest, sustained growth of people reaching out in our 24-year history. Sexual violence affects almost every family in America—and that’s why it also takes every one of us to end it,” said RAINN president Scott Berkowitz. “We are grateful to the countless volunteers, donors, corporate sponsors, and government partners who support RAINN and make this work possible.”

The redesigned program features definitions, helpful information about coping mechanisms, practical relaxation exercises, and links to resources and referrals for on-going support.

The holiday season is a time of celebration and a chance to reconnect with family and friends, but it can also present challenges for some survivors of sexual assault. “Simple safety tips, self-care strategies, and the support of loved ones can sometimes make all the difference,” says Keeli Sorensen, vice president of victim services.

Each year in October, domestic violence awareness month helps bring attention to an issue that occurs within domestic partnerships and intimate relationships of all kinds—and is often not talked about.

One year ago, many courageous survivors began sharing their experiences of sexual violence in a unified statement—#MeToo. Since then, countless other brave voices have joined together to elevate a critical national discussion by speaking out about sexual assault and harassment across every industry.