By Elora Tocci, Leah de Vries, Francesca Littman, and Bernide D’Haiti.
4 thoughts on “Policy Options Brief on the National Backlog of Untested Rape Kits”
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Congrats team! I think this came out really great. I was interested to see the progression from the problem memo to the policy options brief. It is really compelling and incredibly well written. The problem could not be more clear. Each option seems just as important as the one before it. I think a combination of these options would be needed in order to end the back log. I especially think the combination of funding and mandating processing time limits is important.
Great brief. The significance of the problem is established comprehensively and together with the solutions offered the brief provides a concise and convincing case to guide decision-making.
Great work! The seriousness and urgency of the problem really comes through in the writing. I love federally mandating response times and an online tracking system for increase accountability. However, if I had to choose one, I’d go with increased funding as the lack of resources to test the rape kits in a timely fashion is probably a huge issue. But I think all of the options should be incorporated because they are linked in addressing the problem in multiple ways. One question I have is whether there are enough professionals in the field to test these kits? Is a lack of training programs also an issue to ensure that there is a large enough workforce to test the rape kits? Would funding to local colleges and universities to develop these programs help reduce the backlog?
Your paper does a great job at laying out the seriousness of the backlog of untested rape kits in the U.S. The four options you’ve provided, coupled with the information on the problem allow for a decision on an option. I think a long-term affecting option is option one. Increasing funding for SAKI will ensure that states have the resources to improve on rape kit testing and finding justice for rape victims. Although option one is a great long-term (and immediate) option, I really believe that all four should be implemented. The issue of sexual assault being underreported due to lack of justice and re-victimization is intricately woven into how rape kits are handled. Mandating that all backlogged kits are tested within a certain amount of time will allow for new cases to be solved with more expediency and perhaps the mindset involving the reporting of sexual assault can start to change more quickly.
This was really well written. Great job!