---
title: The Importance of Testing Rape Kits
date: 2016-11-13T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-importance-of-testing-rape-kits"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The Importance of Testing Rape Kits

The United States is experiencing a backlog of untested rape kits. Why is testing rape kits so important? Why are so many kits left untested?

> Hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits, also known as sexual assault kits (SAKs), languish in evidence storage facilities across the U.S. This backlog denies justice to victims and allows rapists the opportunity to continue to harm others.

[Read the full article ](https://theconversation.com/testing-of-backlogged-rape-evidence-leads-to-hundreds-of-convictions-65707)

SOURCE: The Conversation • AUTHOR: Rachel Lovell and Daniel J. Flannery • LAST UPDATED: November 13, 2016

![GBV](data:image/png;base64,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) Illustration by Valentina Talijan

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/gender-based-violence)
- [ sexual violence & trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/sexual-violence-trauma)
- [criminal legal system](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/criminal-legal-system)
- [sexual assault](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-assault)
- [rape](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/rape)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-sexual-violence-against-indigenous-women-in-the-us)

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This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-sex-positive-and-transformative-justice-approach-to-metoo)

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This policy brief examines the state surveillance of abortion access and the growing criminalization of pregnant people, parents, and providers.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-decriminalization-and-the-struggle-against-policing-and-criminalization)

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## Abortion Rights for Immigrant Survivors

This document outlines what attorneys and advocates need to know as they counsel people who are maneuvering the complex intersection of abortion access, the immigration system, and the criminal legal system.

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This document outlines what attorneys and advocates need to know as they counsel people who are maneuvering the complex intersection of abortion access, the immigration system, and the criminal legal system.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-rights-for-immigrant-survivors)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## How Past Sexual Abuse or Violence Affects Relationships

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.

![Pexels andrea piacquadio ptsd scaled e1661796367968 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-how-past-sexual-abuse-or-violence-affects-relationships)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Recommendations for Healing from Abuse

In this conversation, excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality, participants discuss what has helped them cope with past sexual violence and abuse.

![Pexels kampus production 8957659 scaled e1661796856924 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this conversation, excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality, participants discuss what has helped them cope with past sexual violence and abuse.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-recommendations-for-healing-from-abuse)

[ResourcesRead

## Body Politics: How White Fear Has Fueled the Anti-Abortion Movement

This article traces how nativism, eugenics, and white supremacy have historically helped drive the anti-abortion movement.

![amine-m'siouri-2246258](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article traces how nativism, eugenics, and white supremacy have historically helped drive the anti-abortion movement.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/body-politics-how-white-fear-has-fueled-the-anti-abortion-movement)

[ResourcesRead

## Carceral Feminism Isn’t the Answer to Sexual Violence

This abolitionist feminist essay articulates how the legal system often criminalizes survivors.

![rodnae-productions-6069469](data:image/png;base64,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)

This abolitionist feminist essay articulates how the legal system often criminalizes survivors.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/carceral-feminism-isnt-the-answer-to-sexual-violence)