Washingtons backlog of rape kits has effectively been eliminated

Washington State has marked a historic achievement by eliminating its backlog of over 10,000 untested sexual assault kits, a pivotal move in the Attorney General's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that all kits have been sent to labs for testing, which has already resulted in the resolution of at least 21 sexual assault cases and more than 2,100 DNA matches in the national CODIS database. The resolved cases include serious crimes committed against both adults and children, with some cases dating back to as early as 2002. Ferguson underscored the importance of these efforts for survivors, stating that while the backlog is cleared, the work to support victims continues. Representative Tina Orwall, who has actively worked on this issue since 2015, pointed out that the new system ensures all sexual assault kits will be tested within 45 days.

This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing systemic issues and improving justice for those affected by sexual violence. The testing of these kits not only helps solve crimes but also aims to empower victims and restore their voices in the justice system. Washington's success serves as a model for other states facing similar challenges regarding untested sexual assault kits.