Overview

• Since 2015, the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has distributed nearly $350 million to 90 local and state agencies to address the backlog of untested rape kits.
• In Wisconsin, only 10 convictions have resulted from the $9.5 million received, with over 2,300 kits still untested due to various reasons including lack of victim consent.
• Nationally, the program has tested 100,000 kits but achieved only 1,500 convictions, with nearly half of those coming from just two cities: Detroit and Cleveland.
• Victim notification remains a significant issue, with many survivors never informed about the status of their kits or the outcomes of the tests.
• Despite the introduction of tracking systems and legislative efforts, systemic issues and inconsistent local implementation continue to hinder progress.