Just a few short weeks ago, Memphis revealed its astounding backlog of 12,000 untested rape kits. Mayor AC Wharton, Jr. responded with a statement that demonstrated his commitment to survivors:

“It is extremely important to ensure that evidence associated with sexual assaults is processed in a timely manner...Appropriate processes and procedures in the handling of this evidence help preserve the rights of victims, support the prosecution of criminals, and promote justice for all. We have to get this right.”

Mayor Wharton’s reaction to his city’s backlog represents a true turning point in eliminating the rape kit backlog across America—government officials speaking publicly about the injustice to survivors, understanding that the stakes are high and taking action. We agree with Mayor Wharton, we have to get this right.

And Memphis is just the latest in a long list of cities uncovering rape kit backlogs—first New York and Los Angeles, then Detroit and Houston, now Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Mobile, Phoenix and San Antonio.

Each untested rape kit represents a lost opportunity for justice, another perpetrator absolved of accountability. But, each newly discovered rape kit backlog presents an opportunity for change—real change in how victims are treated and how the justice system prioritizes cases of sexual assault.

Joyful Heart is at the forefront of rape kit backlog research and advocacy. When a backlog is discovered, city officials, law enforcement and local advocates turn to Joyful Heart for guidance. We created ENDTHEBACKLOG.org to track these statistics and make them available on a national scale, and to provide a forum for community members to reach out to their elected officials and advocate for rape kit reform.

At this turning point, cities across the country are answering our calls for reform. Already, our advocacy efforts have played a part in clearing Los Angeles’s backlog and significantly reducing Detroit’s backlog. Your support will help us raise awareness on the national level to identify and clear more rape kit backlogs.

Be part of this change. Give a gift to honor those whose kits went untested and to build the foundation for a better, more just future. And, if you donate now, your gift will be doubled thanks to a $50,000 match by a generous group of donors. Double your gift and double the support for survivors.

With gratitude,

Sarah Tofte and Maile Zambuto