As you may have heard, the rape kit backlog has become a 2020 presidential campaign issue (see below for RAINN’s statement). We’re encouraging advocates to spread the word about the rape kit backlog — and urge Congress to pass S.820, the Debbie Smith Act, before funds expire this year—by posting on social media.
Below are sample tweets (see graphics here). Be sure to include the hashtag: #PassDSA and #EliminatetheBacklog
Sample Tweets:
- No survivor should have to wait months or years to have their rape kit tested. Congress must #PassDSA now. #EliminatetheBacklog
- Every minute Congress delays passing the Debbie Smith Act is another minute survivors of sexual violence have to wait while their rape kits collect dust on a shelf. Survivors deserve justice. #PassDSA #EliminatetheBacklog
- More than 100,000 rape kits remain untested—each represents a survivor waiting for justice. Congress must #PassDSA now and #EliminatetheBacklog
- The Debbie Smith Act is critical legislation for survivor healing and public safety. We’re calling on the House to #PassDSA and #EliminatetheBacklog.
- I believe every survivor deserves answers and to find justice. That’s why I’m calling on Congress to #EliminatetheBacklog and #PassDSA. Find out why the Debbie Smith Act is critical for survivors at rainn.org.
RAINN released a statement following Sen. Kamala Harris’ announcement of a plan to eliminate the rape kit backlog:
“Ending the rape kit backlog is critical to helping survivors heal and reducing crime,” said Camille Cooper, Vice President of Public Policy for RAINN. “RAINN is encouraged to see the national attention on the backlog. We hope that all candidates — from both parties — will take on this critical issue to bring justice to survivors and improve public safety, and we thank Senator Harris.”
“An important step for Members of the House of Representatives would be to pass S.820, the Debbie Smith Act, which has passed the Senate and is currently awaiting action by House leadership,” Cooper concluded.