Today, with the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are proud to share that the New York County District Attorney (DANY) has released its request for proposals for the Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Program, a watershed grant program that will provide $35 million to communities across the country for the analysis of untested rape kits.

Experts estimate that there are hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits in the United States. Hundreds of thousands. But across the nation, reform is happening. Cities and towns are beginning to count and process rape kits that were never submitted to crime labs for testing—many that are years or even decades old. This new funding will provide much-needed support to test these kits, bringing the possibility of healing and justice to thousands of survivors.

Joyful Heart has made ending the rape kit backlog our top advocacy priority. We are proud to serve as a technical advisor to the DANY for the administration of this grant program.

The DANY Sexual Assault Kit Backlog Elimination Program complements the newly-released $41 million grant program from the federal government that provides funding for reforms like the investigation and prosecution of cases and enhancement of victim services.

We are very grateful to New York District Attorney Cyrus Vance and his team for prioritizing rape kit testing with these funds. With its $35 million investment, the New York District Attorney’s Office will help communities achieve the results that rape kit testing has shown to bring time and time again: safety, justice and healing.

Please visit our website at ENDTHEBACKLOG.ORG to learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements, the application deadline, information on upcoming training sessions and more.

And finally, continue to advocate for change to your elected officials. Your voices and commitment make a difference. These new programs and the reforms happening across the country prove it. 

With gratitude,

Maile Zambuto
Chief Executive Officer
Joyful Heart Foundation