Legislators Ask Taxpayers to Help Fund Rape Kit Testing
The United States Department of Justice estimates that hundreds of thousands of rape kits sit untested in law enforcement laboratories across the nation. Finances contribute heavily to this backlog, with each kit costing about $1000 to test. Though California lawmakers have made several attempts to jumpstart the testing process, efforts have thus far proved inadequate to remedy this disturbing situation.
According to the Sacramento Bee, one lawmaker has put forth legislation that asks taxpayers to help fund rape kit testing. Assembly Bill 280 creates a voluntary contribution option on the California income tax form. Taxpayers can choose to provide financial support for testing and how much they want to give. Along with other funds, donations would fund rape kit testing by local law enforcement agencies across the state. The bill passed the Assembly with a unanimous vote and is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate.
An additional bill is also seeking to address the backlog of rape kits within the state. It requires law enforcement agents to report the number of kits tested and provide an explanation for those that go untested. While supporters assert that the legislation will effectively identify why the backlog exists and give possible resolutions, many law enforcement officials argue that the legislation will place an undue burden on their already limited resources.
The effect of untested rape kits on victims
The horrific nature of rape is one of the most traumatic events an individual can endure. Victims are not only left to deal with the physical and emotional effects of the incident, but they also must also make a decision about reporting the incident to law enforcement. Once that happens, these individuals endure an invasive and time-consuming examination meant to help identify the perpetrator. For these kits to then sit untested causes further injury to individuals who have already been through horrendous circumstances.
Victims of sexual assault deserve to be treated with respect. They also deserve compensation for the pain and suffering their perpetrators cause. A civil claim can provide recompense during this extremely difficult time. While a monetary award cannot erase the trauma of rape, it can help a victim better handle the financial burdens they face. Medical and psychological treatment costs. With a substantial settlement or verdict, victims have the funds they need to afford immediate treatment, as well as their future medical needs.
At Taylor & Ring, our experienced Los Angeles sexual assault attorneys fight hard to secure compensation for victims of rape. We provide each and every client with skilled representation that is compassionate, yet aggressive. If you have been impacted by sexual assault, contact us today at 310-776-6390 or complete our contact form.
David Ring is a nationally renowned plaintiff’s personal injury trial attorney and has obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of seriously-injured individuals or families who have lost a loved one in a tragic accident. For more than 20 years, he has represented victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, assault, molestation and sexual misconduct in cases against a variety of employers and entities, including schools, churches and youth organizations.
He prides himself on providing aggressive, yet compassionate representation for children who have been sexually abused and women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted. Read more about David M. Ring.