State Lawmakers Are Hoping To Establish A Rape Kit Tracking System To Empower Victims

HARRISBURG — Two Pennsylvania lawmakers who are pushing for legislation that would establish a statewide rape kit tracking system designed to better empower sexual assault victims renewed their push for the measure this week, holding a press conference coinciding with April being recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

State Sen. Katie Muth, a Montgomery County Democrat, joined Democratic State House Leader Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia during an event in the state capitol calling for the rape kit tracking system legislation, which is said to have bipartisan support in the General Assembly.

The proposal would create a statewide rape kit tracking system that would enable sexual assault survivors to access timely information and status updates regarding evidence in their case, such as where it is located, when it was submitted and who to contact to get help or more information.

On Wednesday, Muth and McClinton held an event in Harrisburg to call for passage of the legislation.

"While Pennsylvania has drastically decreased its untested rape kit backlog, it is unacceptable that so many who have survived the horrors of being sexually assaulted don't know where to turn for information about their case and can go months without receiving an update," McClinton said in a statement. "We are working to ensure these brave individuals get answers in a timely fashion that they need and deserve by creating a system that keeps them informed every step of the way while connecting them with critical services that are available to further help in their recovery."

Muth, whose senatorial district covers parts of Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties, said she is honored to be working on the legislation, which she said would "increase transparency and give victims of sexual assault, abuse, rape, and violence access to important information" about their cases.

"Every sexual assault kit is more than just a number — it represents the individual who lived through hell and deserves justice," Muth said in a statement.

The legislators were joined at the press conference by advocates from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and WOAR - Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence, who support the rape kit tracking system measure.

The sponsors of the legislation say that more than 20 other states across the country have passed similar bills.

The Pennsylvania proposal would also develop an advisory committee consisting of the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Public Health, Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office and other stakeholders to develop best practices for developing and maintaining the tracking system.