Senate Bill 97, a bill that passed the senate judiciary committee unanimously, would allow victims of rape and sexual assaults to anonymously track their assault kit online. Those advocating for justice for victims of sexual assault are in favor of the transparency SB 97 would bring to helping victims know the status of their evidence kit and outcome of such kit.
“It’s a fabulous bill that is just another way to empower our survivors in what has happened to them,” said Karla Ward, Executive Director of New Beginnings sexual assault support services. “This will allow them to be able to keep track of their own kit and if it’s not going anywhere it gives the survivor an opportunity to contact us as their advocate to support them and look into the process.”
Sexual assault forensic exam kits had been historically known to be backlogged. In 2017, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office was awarded a nearly $3 million National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant by the U.S. Department of Justice making much-needed progress in the state of Kentucky, which included victims in the Owensboro area.
“We actually had several survivors whose rape kits were just being tested from 20 or 30 years ago, those rape victims never knew what happened up until recently,” Ward said. “I think that this will actually help in their healing process. Knowing the kit was picked up at the hospital, the lab has received it, they have identified the DNA – I think it’s empowering for them to know the system is working on it.”
Oasis women’s shelter shared in the support of the extension of SB 97 to continually ensure there is accountability in the process.
“We all support the victims feeling empowered,” said Tiffany Pearl, assistant director of Oasis. “I know it can be a lengthy process. I think this passing is really important because it gives them a voice in the process and empowers them by being able to track the kits.”
The Kentucky Senate also approved SB 70, which would make strangulation a Class D felony in the state of Kentucky.
“We have a lot of victims that come in — and strangulation is a part of the abuse they have withstood,” Pearl said. “I think it’s important for this to pass for victims to receive justice. Strangulation is a dangerous crime that can result in death so I think to classify it as a felony is important for it to be seen as the heinous crime that it is.”
For more information on advocacy work provided by the local nonprofits please visit the New Beginnings Facebook page or the Oasis Facebook page.
