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<rss version="2.0" xml:base="https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org"  xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">
<channel>
 <title>Joyful Heart Foundation - untested rape kits</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/tags/untested-rape-kits</link>
 <description></description>
 <language>en</language>
<item>
 <title>Attorney General Josh Stein calls for more funding to test backlogged rape kits</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/news/attorney-general-josh-stein-calls-more-funding-test-backlogged-rape-kits</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-text-date field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;February 4, 2019&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-publication-source field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;The Daily Tar Heel&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Diane Adame&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;North Carolina has the highest number of untested rape kits of any state, but a recent call from N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein for funding to test the kits might change that. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;“What we have found through communities that have taken a lot of the old untested kits off the shelves and tested them is that serial offenders have been left free to remain on the streets and commit crimes over and over again,” said Ilse Knecht, director of policy and advocacy for The Joyful Heart Foundation&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-link-to-original-version field-type-link-field field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2019/02/nc-backlogged-rape-kits-0204&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Read the original version&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;rape kit backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/end-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;End the Backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/north-carolina&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;North Carolina&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2019 13:27:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37824 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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<item>
 <title>How to Get Started as an Advocate to End the Rape Kit Backlog</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/blog/becoming-advocate-101</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;As we kick off a new year and a new legislative session, Joyful Heart continues our work advocating for rape kit reform across the country. &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Ending the rape kit backlog&lt;/a&gt; is a tremendous goal, and we need advocates like you to help by supporting reform where you live.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you are a novice advocate or a seasoned pro, you can make a difference. Here’s how to start advocating for rape kit reform in your community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Learn the facts.&lt;/strong&gt; Has your state or city enacted any of Joyful Heart’s &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/ending-backlog-our-approach/campaign-end-backlog&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;six pillars of rape kit reform&lt;/a&gt;? Do officials know how many untested rape kits are in law enforcement storage? It’s important to know where your region stands before you begin advocating for reform. Use our &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/backlog/where-backlog-exists-and-whats-happening-end-it&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;interactive map&lt;/a&gt; to learn the latest information about the number of untested kits and any policies, whether in place or in progress, in your state.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You will also want to make sure you understand the reasons why rape kits go &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/backlog/why-backlog-exists&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;untested&lt;/a&gt;, why it’s important to &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/backlog-why-rape-kit-testing-important/why-testing-every-kit-matters&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;test all kits&lt;/a&gt;, and other background information about the rape kit backlog and rape kit reform. Ending the backlog starts with educating yourself and others.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Do your research.&lt;/strong&gt; Using a tool like &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Common Cause&lt;/a&gt;, learn who your state and local representatives are. From there, you’ll want to find out whether your elected officials have taken a position on rape kit reform, or on broader issues like criminal justice or gender equality. You should also learn who sponsored or supported any existing bills on rape kit reform.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Reach out strategically.&lt;/strong&gt; Part of a lawmaker’s job is to listen to the needs and requests of their constituents. You can make a difference by &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/take-action/advocate&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;contacting your representatives&lt;/a&gt;, identifying yourself by your name and zip code, and making a specific request of your legislator, such as supporting a rape kit reform bill. At &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;endthebacklog.org&lt;/a&gt;, you can &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/take-action/advocate/states&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;fill out a form&lt;/a&gt; that contains language to use when emailing or calling your representative if you need help deciding what to say. You can personalize your message using the suggested text to share why rape kit reform is important to you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Follow up.&lt;/strong&gt; Once you have reached out to your elected officials, stay in touch! If you sent personalized emails or made any phone calls, reach out again to make sure your officials received your message.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It may also help to stay informed about how your representatives are taking action on other issues. Follow your elected officials on social media to keep up with any new legislation they introduce or support. You may even want to set &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.google.com/alerts&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Google news alerts&lt;/a&gt; for your local officials so you’re the first to know when news breaks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5. Engage with your community.&lt;/strong&gt; Even after you have made phone calls, you can continue to advocate for reform by getting your local community involved. Look out for public hearings, city council meetings, press conferences, and other opportunities to engage with your fellow citizens. You can also use community events to meet like-minded advocates, teach them about the rape kit backlog, and encourage them to take action toward reform; for example, host a screening of &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.iamevidencethemovie.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;I AM EVIDENCE&lt;/a&gt; as a way to inform and engage your peers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Finally, remember that we have resources available to help you in your journey as an advocate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;endthebacklog.org&lt;/a&gt; to learn more about our work and how you can help. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/education&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Education&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/advocacy&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Advocacy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kit Backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/accountability-project&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;The Accountability Project&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/our-issues&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Our Issues&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/sexual-assault&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Sexual Assault&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/end-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;End the Backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/sexual-assault&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;sexual assault&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Joyful Heart Foundation&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2019 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37821 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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 <title>Bodies on Backlog</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/news/bodies-backlog</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-text-date field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;January 1, 2019&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-publication-source field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Ms. Magazine&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Aurora Biggers&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;Sexual assault changes a person’s view of self, especially their body, and a rape kit becomes an extended vestige of a survivor’s own body—at great personal cost.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Joyful Heart Foundation pushes for more funding to labs and for state regulations requiring responsibility for testing kits; it fostered a massive push to get all rape kits tested, even those dating back to the 80’s.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-link-to-original-version field-type-link-field field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://msmagazine.com/blog/2019/01/01/bodies-on-backlog/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Read the original version&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;rape kit backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/end-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;End the Backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jan 2019 13:27:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37823 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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 <title>She&#039;s been waiting 15 months for her rape kit to be processed. A new proposal to track evidence aims to change that.</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/news/shes-been-waiting-15-months-her-rape-kit-be-processed-new-proposal-track-evidence-aims-change</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-text-date field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;November 14, 2018&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-publication-source field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Chicago Tribune&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Alison Bowen&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;Sarah Parsons is ready to move forward, to endure a criminal case against the man she said sexually assaulted her, to begin closing a difficult chapter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;But she is waiting on one thing. The evidence collected last year in the emergency room of a Chicago hospital, known as a rape kit, hasn’t yet been analyzed. An attorney advised waiting; the results would likely bolster the case.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-link-to-original-version field-type-link-field field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/ct-hlth-rape-kit-tracking-system-20181105-story.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Read the original version&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;rape kit backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/survivors&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Survivors&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/illinois&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Illinois&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2018 17:03:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37812 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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 <title>Using #WhyIDidntReport, Twitter users challenge Trump after he questions why Ford didn&#039;t report</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/news/using-whyididntreport-twitter-users-challenge-trump-after-he-questions-why-ford-didnt-report</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-text-date field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;September 21, 2018&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-publication-source field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;NBC Bay Area&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Liz Lane&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;Some of the most vocal proponents of the #MeToo movement and droves of other women have come to the defense of Christine Blasey Ford after President Donald Trump questioned her credibility and wondered why she didn’t report her sexual assault at the time she said it happened.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In a slew of unrestrained tweets Friday, Trump contended that if the attack Ford said happened at the hands of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was “as bad” as she claims, she would have “immediately” reported it to local authorities. He asked her to produce the report to prove the details of her alleged assault and wondered, “Why didn’t someone call the FBI 36 years ago?”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The president&#039;s brazen comments sparked the birth of a new trending hashtag, #WhyIDidntReport, and inspired victims to reveal their own stories of assault and share their reasons for not telling anyone about the violence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sexual assault can leave long-term effects on victims, including post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, according to the Joyful Heart Foundation, an anti-sexual assault group founded by &lt;em&gt;Law and Order&lt;/em&gt; actress Mariska Hargitay.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-link-to-original-version field-type-link-field field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nbcbayarea.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/Twitter-Why-I-Didnt-Report-Trump-Ford-Sexual-Assault-Milano-Judd-493988261.html&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Read the original version&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kit&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;rape kit backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2018 17:12:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37803 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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 <title>Senate bill requiring prompt rape kit tests heads to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/news/senate-bill-requiring-prompt-rape-kit-tests-heads-gov-jerry-brown%E2%80%99s-desk</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-text-date field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;September 4, 2018&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-publication-source field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;The Daily Californian&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Jenny Weng&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;A bill requiring law enforcement agencies and laboratories to promptly analyze all newly collected rape kit evidence advanced to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk Friday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The state Senate and Assembly unanimously approved SB 1449 authored by Sen. Connie Leyva, D-Chino, according to a press release provided by Leyva’s office.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Under the legislation, newly collected rape kits would have to be sent to a lab within 20 days and tested no later than 120 days after receipt in order to prevent backlogs of forensic evidence.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-link-to-original-version field-type-link-field field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dailycal.org/2018/09/04/senate-bill-requiring-prompt-rape-kit-tests-heads-to-gov-jerry-browns-desk/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Read the original version&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;rape kit backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/california&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;California&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2018 18:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37799 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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 <title>DA pledged to test 1,000 rape kits, but lab’s pace is testing critics’ patience</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/news/da-pledged-test-1000-rape-kits-lab%E2%80%99s-pace-testing-critics%E2%80%99-patience</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-text-date field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;August 30, 2018&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-publication-source field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Times of San Diego&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Ken Stone&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;In late April, at the height of her successful campaign for district attorney, interim DA Summer Stephan announced she would spend $1 million to test 1,000 rape kits.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;By the end of August, only 200 kits will have been tested by Bode Cellmark Forensics, a private lab in Virginia, said a spokesman for LabCorp, Bode’s corporate parent.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-link-to-original-version field-type-link-field field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://timesofsandiego.com/crime/2018/08/30/da-pledged-to-test-1000-rape-kits-but-labs-pace-tests-critics-patience/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Read the original version&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;rape kit backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/california&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;California&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2018 18:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37800 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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 <title>California bill to count rape kit backlog won’t impact SFPD</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/news/california-bill-count-rape-kit-backlog-won%E2%80%99t-impact-sfpd</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-text-date field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;August 29, 2018&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-publication-source field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;SF Weekly&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Ida Mojadad&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;Through public records requests, End the Backlog estimates that more than 13,000 kits are sitting untested on the shelves of California law enforcement—but it still won’t have a complete number unless jurisdictions are mandated to have them.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-link-to-original-version field-type-link-field field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.sfweekly.com/news/california-bill-to-count-rape-kit-backlog-wont-impact-sfpd/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Read the original version&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/california&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;California&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2018 22:07:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37798 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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 <title>The Me Too movement has changed our culture. Now it’s changing our laws.</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/news/me-too-movement-has-changed-our-culture-now-it-is-changing-our-laws</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-text-date field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;July 31, 2018&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-publication-source field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;HuffPost&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Rebecca Beitsch&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;The Me Too movement has touched almost every industry in the past year, and state legislatures have been under growing pressure to curb sexual assault and harassment in private workplaces and within their own chambers. But has the reckoning had an impact on the law?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Early signs point to yes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pushed by survivors whose cases have languished, many state audits of evidence lockers have revealed a staggering backlog of untested rape kits. Research from the Joyful Heart Foundation, an advocacy organization that tracks state testing of the kits, found that state audits of inventory show there are at least 155,000 untested kits, though in a dozen states it is unknown how many kits sit untested.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-link-to-original-version field-type-link-field field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/metoo-has-changed-our-culture-now-its-changing-our_us_5b60a511e4b0eb29100e5998&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Read the original version&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;rape kit backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/end-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;End the Backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2018 18:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37792 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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 <title>New State Laws To End The Untested Rape Kit Backlog</title>
 <link>https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/blog/new-state-laws-end-untested-rape-kit-backlog</link>
 <description>&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot; property=&quot;content:encoded&quot;&gt; &lt;p&gt;During its second year, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/ending-backlog/our-approach&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Joyful Heart’s national campaign&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to pass comprehensive rape kit reform continued to build momentum. Since January, an exceptional 46 rape kit reform bills were introduced in 24 states. We worked with partners in 11 states and helped lawmakers amend several drafts of legislation. As a result, we celebrate 15 states passing 14 rape kit reform laws that include one or more of our six pillars. There is one bill in New York awaiting the governor’s signature and three bills pending in California and New Jersey.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are proud of the impact we are making. This year &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/Hawaii&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Hawai’i&lt;/a&gt; became the second state in the country to achieve our gold standard for reform, having embraced all six pillars, in a new law signed by Governor David Ige earlier this month. &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/connecticut&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Connecticut&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/massachusetts&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Massachusetts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/oregon&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Oregon&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.endthebacklog.org/new-york&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;New York&lt;/a&gt; each met five pillars.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here’s an update on our work around the country this year. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;h4&gt;14 New Laws in 15 States&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Alaska&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.legfin.akleg.gov/index.php&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;S.B. 142&lt;/a&gt;. The Alaska capital budget bill allocates $2.75 million to test every rape kit in Alaska. This is the state’s most significant investment in eliminating the backlog to date. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Alaska&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/30?Root=HB31#tab1_4&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;H.B. 31&lt;/a&gt;. Under this law, Alaska is required to conduct annual inventories, helping the state monitor progress on testing 3,484 untested kits identified through a one-time inventory in 2017. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Connecticut&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.cga.ct.gov/2018/ACT/pa/2018PA-00083-R00SB-00017-PA.htm&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Public Act No. 18-83&lt;/a&gt;. This law establishes a statewide rape kit tracking system and ensures sexual assault survivors can access information about the testing status of their rape kit. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Hawai‘i&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2018/bills/HB2131_CD1_.pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;H.B. 2131&lt;/a&gt;. This law grants essential rights to sexual assault survivors, directs all counties to track rape kits, requires kits to be submitted to the lab and tested, and establishes annual reporting mechanisms to increase accountability and transparency in rape kit handling processes. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Indiana&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2018/bills/senate/264#document-b67faa3a&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Act No. 264&lt;/a&gt;. Indiana will study the feasibility of a statewide rape kit tracking system under this new law.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Louisiana&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1101045&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Act No. 354&lt;/a&gt;. With this law, the state created the Louisiana Sexual Assault Oversight Commission to recommend a standardized kit as well as statewide protocols for forensic medical examinations. The attorney general must make sure the recommendations are implemented. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Maryland&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2018RS/chapters_noln/Ch_429_hb1124T.pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Chapter 429&lt;/a&gt;. This law requires the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) Policy and Funding Committee to make recommendations on a statewide rape kit tracking system accessible to victims of sexual assault. The law also requires the committee to apply for federal funds to advance rape kit reforms.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Massachusetts&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2018/Chapter69&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018&lt;/a&gt;. This is a comprehensive law mandating an annual inventory of rape kits, the timely testing of newly collected rape kits, and the testing of backlogged kits. The new law also establishes a statewide tracking system and grants victims the right to know the testing status of their rape kits.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF3017&amp;amp;session=ls90&amp;amp;version=latest&amp;amp;session_number=0&amp;amp;session_year=2018&amp;amp;format=pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;S.F. No. 2863&lt;/a&gt;. This law grants victims the right to notification about their rape kit testing status, increases evidence retention protections, and strengthens requirements for submitting rape kits.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Missouri&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills181/hlrbillspdf/4829S.04T.pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;H.B. No. 1355&lt;/a&gt;. Under this law, law enforcement must retrieve rape kits from hospitals within 14 days and submit it to a lab for testing within 14 days of taking possession of the kit. Additionally, a rape kit tracking system will be created to follow kits from collection to disposition and allow survivors to monitor the status of their kit.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;New Hampshire&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/bill_status.aspx?lsr=2902&amp;amp;sy=2018&amp;amp;sortoption=&amp;amp;txtsessionyear=2018&amp;amp;txtbillnumber=SB391&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;S.B. 391&lt;/a&gt;. Under this bill, survivors would be informed of policies for kit collection and preservation upon written request, receive notice within 60 days of the kit’s planned disposal, and be able to expand the kit preservation period.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;New York&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;http://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2017/S7507C&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;S7507C&lt;/a&gt;. The state health and mental hygiene budget expands the retention period for an unreported kit to 20 years and calls for victims to be notified in advance of planned kit destruction. The budget also requires the creation of a rape kit tracking system.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;North Carolina&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2017/Bills/House/PDF/H945v3.pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;H.B. 945&lt;/a&gt;. This legislation would require the creation of a rape kit tracking system to track the 15,160 untested rape kits identified in a statewide inventory earlier this year. All newly collected kits would be tracked as well, and the bill would also allow survivors to monitor the location and testing status of their kit.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Oregon&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2018R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB4049&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Chapter 55, (2018 Laws)&lt;/a&gt;. This law requires the creation and implementation of a statewide tracking system. The system must track kits through the criminal justice process, and provide sexual assault survivors anonymous access to track the status of their kit.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;West Virginia&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;&amp;#9;http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2018_SESSIONS/RS/bills/SB36%20SUB1%20ENR.pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Chapter 207, Acts, Regular Session, 2018&lt;/a&gt;. Under this law, the Sexual Assault Forensic Commission will establish best practice protocols for handling rape kits, including time frames for submission and storage.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;h4&gt;One Bill Awaiting the Governor’s Signature &lt;/h4&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;New York&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2017/s8977&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;S.8977&lt;/a&gt;. This bill would establish a sexual assault victim bill of rights which would include the right, upon request, to be informed of the date and location at which the kit was analyzed, be informed whether there was a DNA match in the national database, and be notified at least 90 days before the end of the 20-year storage period.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;h4&gt;Three Bills are Pending in Two States&lt;/h4&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;California&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1449&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;S.B. 1449&lt;/a&gt;. Currently, state law does not require law enforcement to submit rape kits to crime labs for DNA testing—it merely encourages it. This bill would require law enforcement to submit kits within 20 days after being booked into evidence and require crime labs to test the kit within 120 days. This bill has passed the Senate and is pending in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;California&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB3118&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;A.B. 3118&lt;/a&gt;. California has never conducted an inventory of the untested rape kits. This bill would require all law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and crime labs to count their kits and submit a report to the California Department of Justice by 2019. This bill has passed the Assembly and is pending in the Senate Appropriations Committee.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;New Jersey&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp?BillNumber=S1216&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;S.1216&lt;/a&gt;. Under this bill, the attorney general would develop a survey on unsubmitted kits in the possession of law enforcement agencies. The survey would be completed by every law enforcement agency in the state. Joyful Heart advocates for the the survey to capture the number of untested kits and the reasons for not testing kits. This bill passed the Senate and is pending in the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Since January 2018, &lt;strong&gt;28,563 untested kits have been uncovered&lt;/strong&gt; from California to North Carolina. We are working with advocates, survivors, local advocates, and legislators around the country to eliminate this backlog and make sure it never happens again.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As our founder, Mariska Hargitay, always says: “The backlog is one of the clearest and most shocking demonstrations of how we regard these crimes in our society. Testing rape kits sends a fundamental and crucial message to victims of sexual violence: You matter. What happened to you matters. Your case matters.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You help us send survivors the message that they matter. Learn more and join our campaign to &lt;a href=&quot;http://joinus.endthebacklog.org/page/s/etb-general&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;end the backlog&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-blog-category field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/education&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Education&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/advocacy&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Advocacy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/rape-kit-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kit Backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/accountability-project&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;The Accountability Project&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/our-issues&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Our Issues&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/blog-category/sexual-assault&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Sexual Assault&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-label&quot;&gt;Tags:&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/rape-kit-reform&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;Rape Kit reform&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/untested-rape-kits&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;untested rape kits&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/legislation&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;legislation&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/state-legislation&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;state legislation&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item odd&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/tags/end-backlog&quot; typeof=&quot;skos:Concept&quot; property=&quot;rdfs:label skos:prefLabel&quot; datatype=&quot;&quot;&gt;End the Backlog&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-items&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;field-item even&quot;&gt;Joyful Heart Foundation&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</description>
 <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2018 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
 <dc:creator>c.show</dc:creator>
 <guid isPermaLink="false">37786 at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org</guid>
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