The Rape Kit Backlog: Problems and Solutions

This literature review examines the ongoing issue of rape kit backlog in the United States. Rape kits are a means of evidence collection from victims of sexual assault that can be used in court. Across the nation, many state jurisdictions have hundreds and thousands of rape kits left untested and locked away in storage facilities. Consent for testing, police bias, and funding issues are the main issues that will be addressed. Many victims choose not to have their kits tested. Other kits never get tested due to police choosing not to submit a kit due to their bias against some victims. Funding issues are the main reason why rape kits are not tested. Due to the lack of funding, other criminal cases are prioritized while rape kits are forgotten. There have been multiple suggestions to decrease the backlog: more funding to test the kits, making better rape kits, and passing legislation are some direct solutions. Spreading awareness to the community about the problem allows and encourages them to be a voice for change. When implemented, these solutions have worked, however, there are still many rape kits needing to be tested.