White House, Manhattan DA Pledge $79M To Clear Rape Kit Backlog
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The White House and New York City's district attorney are pledging a combined $79 million to help eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits nationwide.
Vice President Joe Biden, along with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, announced that $41 million in federal funds will go toward the administration's commitment to processing DNA evidence that could put rapists behind bars.
"Rape kits are an essential tool in modern crime fighting — not only for the victim, but for the entire community," Biden said in a statement. "When we solve these cases, we get rapists off the streets. For most survivors, seeing their rapists brought to justice, and knowing that they will not return, brings peace of mind and a sense of closure."
"No victim's suffering should be extended one minute longer because of procedural issues, ever," Lynch said. "This is our pledge to you; we will not forget you, we will not abandon you."
Vice President Joe Biden To Address Backlog Of Untested Rape Kits
Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance is also committing $38 million to the effort, which together with the federal grant, will help clear the backlog of untested rape kits in 27 states.
"I'm saying today to all the women awaiting justice, 'You are not forgotten,'" Vance said.
Vice President Announces Funding To Test Rape Kits
Victim Natasha Alexenko said her rapist was captured after her rape kit was finally processed, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.
"He is currently serving time in prison until 2057, he can no longer hurt anyone else," she said.
The funding will help test approximately 70,000 untested rape kits nationwide, officials said.
"It's estimated there are hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits sitting in police storage facilities nationwide," Vance said. "What stands in the way of testing them is money and the will to get the job done."
It can cost up to $1,000 to test a kit.
