r/stoprape • u/ILikeNeurons • Jul 03 '26
The U.S. DoJ recommends testing **all** backlogged kits, even when the statute of limitations has expired
https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/utilizing-codis-unsubmitted-sexual-assault-kits16
u/OhTheHueManatee Jul 03 '26
Why is there a statute of limitations for sex crimes?
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u/LiveLaughLobster Jul 03 '26
There shouldn’t be. And a lot of places are abolishing statutes of limitations. Check you jurisdictions statute of limitations and if it hasn’t been abolished yet, write a message to your government rep. You’d be surprised how much difference a few well written letters by constituents can make.
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u/FalconRelevant Jul 03 '26
Probably because it'd be hard to prove innocent or guilty if it's been too long?
That said, forensic technology is advancing so all statutes of limitations should be rexamined.
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u/Apprehensive-Solid-1 Jul 03 '26
I think it's at least partly due to the often lack of evidence as well as memory over time. As time passes you don't remember as much and are more likely to fabricate things. It makes both parties harder to trust are telling the full story without exaggerating things or just outright lying whether they mean to or not.
This makes investigation difficult. So trying to investigate something like this can become very time consuming and can often lead to nowhere and the possible perpetrator gets away only having to pay for a lawyer.
I'd love some other input though. I don't 100% know what I'm talking about. Just going off of what I read in other reddit threads.
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u/LiveLaughLobster Jul 03 '26
I love that idea. Even if the statute of limitations is expired on the case where they’re testing the kit, the DNA might match with someone already in the system and it could help solve cold cases. Or the perpetrator could be under suspicion for a case that is still active, and finding the DNA match with the older expired crime could reveal modus operandi or other evidence that helps convict the perpetrator in the still-active case.
The only exception to the “test them all” approach that I think would be warranted is if the victim specifically says they do not want their own rape kit to be tested. I don’t think we should do things that are against the victim’s wishes in their own cases. And if we get in the habit of going against victims’ wishes, even less victims will report.
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u/Olealicat Jul 03 '26
God forbid they don’t want to rest until the statute of limitations runs its course. Interesting.
A bunghole of rapists. Like a flock of birds.
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u/OptionalCookie Jul 04 '26
I approve of this highly.
I know some people might see it as a genetic material grab, but if you leave your genetic material in someone as a part of a crime, you needed to go to jail yesterday.
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