ENDTHEBACKLOG.org

“I have taken care of hundreds of survivors,” Gilpin said, “and this is more important than you can imagine.” kentuckylantern.com/2026/01/22/bil…

New Jersey is proof that states can adopt rape kit reform and address backlogs when journalists report the truth and advocates push for transformative change. newjersey.news12.com/new-jersey-law…

Maine would be the last state to pass transformative legislation to support sexual assault survivors, count untested rape kits, and create a tracking system to empower survivors. Now is the time to make it happen. wmtw.com/article/lawmak…

This is what accountability looks like! After a 2024 audit found serious delays in sexual assault kit testing, the San Antonio Police department stepped up. In the past year, they reduced late kit submissions from 117 over two years to just 5 in 12 months. sanantonioreport.org/following-city…

Texas has passed a new law allowing sexual assault survivors to have their rape kits tested without having to file a police report. But advocates point to a growing backlog of over 1,700 untested kits in the state. Survivors’ rights must be funded. austinchronicle.com/news/texas-cre…

In New York, if you’re being stalked by someone you aren’t related to or “intimate” with, such as a coworker or acquaintance, you cannot request a civil order of protection to prohibit stalking. New Yorkers deserve better. It’s time to #PassCREEPAct. creepact.com

New Jersey must TEST ALL KITS! Our policy and advocacy director, Ilse Knecht, explains why. newjersey.news12.com/kane-in-your-c…

Great news: Missouri has ended its rape kit backlog and stayed on track thanks to funding, reform, and a commitment to survivors. #endthebacklog #supportsurvivors missourinet.com/2025/12/15/mis…

This story contains many tragedies: the crime, the imprisonment of an innocent man, and the inability to charge the true offender due to the statute of limitations. Testing rape kits is essential, always. sfgate.com/bayarea/articl…

As we enter a new year, we're reminded of our core values, our mission, and the future we envision. What do you want to see in 2026, ten years from now, and beyond? #ourvision #endthebacklog #joyfulheartfoundation #supportsurvivors

“To be able to come through our front doors, go through security and then walk that lonely path to help themselves — it took a lot of courage for them to do that. I just wanted them to feel safe when they were here.” baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/…

In the words of our founder, we believe that survivors matter, their healing matters, and we must support them. Contribute to our cause and support the healing of survivors this holiday season at give.joyfulheartfoundation.org. #SupportSurvivors

Survivors deserve better. They deserve systems that work, answers when they need them, and justice that isn't delayed or denied. It's time to fix what's broken. postandcourier.com/politics/sc-ra…

Justice was served 30 years after a sexual assault thanks to DNA testing and the CODIS database. Pair this technology with timely rape kit testing, and we could solve crimes and deliver justice far faster. Ending the backlog is just the beginning. alaska-native-news.com/ronald-fischer…

Did you know? Erin's law has been passed in 38 states and requires age-appropriate body safety education in schools to promote prevention and early intervention for child sexual abuse survivors. people.com/child-abuse-su…

The Break the Silence Act would empower healthcare professionals to consistently support domestic violence survivors when they suspect abuse is occurring by creating a private space for conversation and referrals to local support systems. ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/11/04/ohi…

"“They believed me,” she said, a declaration that was more than the legal outcome; it was the meaning of justice for survivors everywhere." texomashomepage.com/news/crime/tex…

"My case fell through multiple cracks." #survivorspeaks #endthebacklog wkrn.com/news/local-new…

“I recognize that I am just a complete minority. I am in a position where I can do something. So many other women would if they were in my shoes.” Survivor Shannon Keeler, on finally receiving justice. #survivorspeaks #survivoradvocacy abcnews.go.com/Nightline/vide…

Sex trafficking survivors are often victims of multiple forms of trauma and need ongoing support. This story spotlights on the enduring commitment of police officers and advocates, as well as the strength it takes to leave and begin to heal. nytimes.com/2025/10/26/mag…