Cohen-Championed Rape Kit Backlog Reduction Grants Now Available

Statement

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that two new federal grant programs aimed at eliminating the nationwide backlog of untested forensic sexual assault kits are now accepting applications. Congressman Cohen championed the funding needed to create these programs during last year's budget negotiations and successfully fought to increase their funding by an additional $5 million. Untested sexual assault kits are a significant public safety hazard that prevents law enforcement from apprehending violent criminals, increases the risk of additional crimes, and robs victims of the justice they deserve.

"No one should be a victim of sexual assault, but it is a further travesty when communities are terrorized simply because evidence that could be used to prevent these crimes sits untested on a shelf somewhere." said Congressman Cohen. "We know that, if tested, these rape kits could help catch perpetrators and prevent additional attacks. We must do more to cut through this backlog--it's the least we can do to give victims the justice they deserve and it is an imperative if we want to keep our communities safe from predators. That's why I was proud to champion a new grant program specifically aimed at cutting through the backlog and why I am pleased to announce that these grants are now available to Memphis and other communities around the country struggling to provide justice to victims."

Source