Madison – Sexual assault survivors are will have access to information about their sexual assault kits. On Monday, Governor Evers signed a bill authored by State Senator Alberta Darling that will create a Wisconsin Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System.
“Wisconsin is joining a nationwide movement to make sure victims of sexual assault can check on the status of their case and know where their kit is located,” Darling said, “This is a bipartisan bill that empowers victims and will help prevent another backlog of cases.”
Senate Bill 94 empowers survivors of sexual assault as their case goes through the legal system. The bill creates a database for health care professionals, law enforcement, state crime laboratory personnel, and prosecutors to update information on the location and status of a sexual assault kit ensures that Wisconsin statutes protect victims and prevent another backlog of cases. The database also enables victims to track the location and status of their kit.
“Victims have the right to know if and when their kit is being processed or stored and isn’t lost or backlogged,” Darling said, “It’s my hope this will give them some comfort during a very difficult time.”
Senator Darling represents portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha Counties.