(July 31, 2015) -- This season of TNT’s Cold Justice: Sex Crimes is focused on solving cases of sexual assault. The series follows a pair of investigators as they assist local law enforcement agencies in using DNA evidence from untested rape kits to investigate an unsolved sexual assaults. The backlog of unanalyzed sexual assault forensic exam evidence, often referred to as the “rape kit backlog,” is one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence. Learn more about the issues and join RAINN’s efforts to combat the DNA backlog.

About Sexual Assault Kits:

• What is a Rape Kit?
• Importance of DNA in Solving Rape Cases
• Addressing the Rape Kit Backlog
• Information on Crime Victims Compensation
• Reporting sexual assault

Rape Kit Backlog in the News:

• USA Today Finds More Than 70,000 Untested Rape Kits
• Senate Budget Writers Renew Call to Action on Rape Kit Backlog
• RAINN President Testifies on the Rape Kit Backlog

Take Action with RAINN:

• Take action to protect and enable federal funding for programs that help test DNA evidence and bring perpetrators to justice. Tweet your Representative, send an email, and tell your social network about the need to end the backlog.
• Learn more about states’ responses to the backlog and ways to get involved through the Rape Kit Action Project.
• Donate critical funds to support RAINN’s public policy efforts in advocating for policies and regulations that facilitate justice for survivors of sexual violence.
• Share the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) on Facebook or Twitter.
• Sign up for RAINN’s newsletter to receive the latest news directly to your inbox.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE and online.rainn.org, y en español: rainn.org/es.