COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new grant program is looking to help law enforcement and prosecutors with their investigations into sexual assault cases.
“We were thrilled to see funding dedicated to getting kits tested and passed through our criminal and legal system. Any funding is welcomed funding for victims and survivors in the state,” said Emily Gemar, director of public policy at Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
The money can be used in a number of different ways, from sexual assault kits and toxicology testing to training for investigators and expert testimony for a trial. Gemar said the funding is absolutely necessary.
“One of the most crucial things is funding. Anytime you test DNA and go through kits it costs money and takes time,” she said.
Gemar said she believes the funding will be able to help law enforcement stay ahead of investigating rape kits. Right now, there isn’t a backlog of rape kits but that has not always been the case.
“The state of Ohio has come a long way to address the backlog rape kits. Once rape kits are assembled and put together with evidence, there has been a history of them sitting on the shelves and not being tested and moving through the process to see if it matches DNA,” said Gemar.
As for the victims and what this funding could mean for them, Gemar said every survivor's case looks different. She said for some, this will help them get the closure they need.
“For those individuals getting their kit tested, having a DNA match, being able to move forward with this process is incredibly helpful,” said Gemar.
But not every survivor wants a rape kit and an investigation into their case. Overall, Gemar said she believes the money will help law enforcement which in turn will get justice for victims of sexual assault.