‘Unacceptable’: How USA TODAY’s rape kit reporting sparked officials to call for change

[The U.S. tested 100,000 backlogged rape kits, and only got a conviction from 1.5% of them](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2024/09/19/doj-rape-kit-testing-program-results/74589312007/). National reporting on this shortcoming has spurred outrage, and calls for change.

Part of the problem has been that police and prosecutors don’t always understand [consent](https://www.reddit.com/r/stoprape/comments/zyznhe/rape_is_so_common_in_part_because_so_many_people/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) and the [neurobiology of trauma](https://evawintl.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-12_TB-Becoming-Trauma-Informed-Trauma-to-Victim-Interviews.pdf), which is a problem because [A high probability of apprehension by law enforcement is critical to deterrence](https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1086/670398.pdf). [DNA evidence](https://sakitta.org) has also revealed that [serial offenders often target strangers and non-strangers](https://evawintl.org/wp-content/uploads/JofCrimJustice_Offendingpatterns.pdf), meaning it is imperative to [test all kits](https://www.endthebacklog.org) and [submit DNA evidence to CODIS](https://www.sakitta.org) even if the offender’s identity is known. [Offending patterns are not a consistently reliable link across assaults.](https://evawintl.org/wp-content/uploads/JofCrimJustice_Offendingpatterns.pdf).

Briefly, the following [are considered best practices by law enforcement](https://www.reddit.com/r/ProtectAndServe/comments/zvoevz/comment/j1qm0g6/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3):

* Approach the victim in [a compassionate, empathetic way](https://www.sakitta.org/toolkit/index.cfm?fuseaction=topic&topic=10)

* Tell the person that it’s OK if they don’t remember or don’t know

* [Ask open-ended questions](https://sakitta.org/effective-practices/docs/Core-Standards-for-Sexual-Assault-Investigations.pdf) and don’t interrupt

* Ask what they felt during an assault

* Ask them about sights, smells, and sounds to jog memories

* If tough questions need to be asked, [explain why](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31339469/)

* When done, [explain the next steps](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31339469/)

* Victim advocates need to be involved as soon possible

* Screen all cases in person to make sure the [investigations were thorough](https://www.reddit.com/r/stoprape/wiki/index/#wiki_why_he_said.2C_she_said_is_a_myth)

* [Test all rape kits](https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/utilizing-codis-unsubmitted-sexual-assault-kits)

* Instead of interviewing victims in the same cramped bare room where you interrogate suspects, use a larger, more home like space outfitted with couches and table lamps

* Beyond seeking justice for the victim, help them recover from their assault

Implementing best practices can [double convictions](https://www2.startribune.com/one-state-found-a-better-way-to-investigate-rape/501636971/), which would make for a much safer future.