The Debbie Smith Act intends to eliminate the backlog of untested and unanalyzed DNA evidence by providing the resources to process evidence and add these samples to the national DNA database.
The overwhelming backlog of DNA evidence is currently one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence.
Preserving DNA evidence is a key tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence.
During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.
After sexual assault, a medical exam can check for help check for injuries, even those you may not be able to see.