Nashville Takes Significant Steps to Address Sexual Assault Kit Backlog
Nashville, Tenn. – Hundreds of families in Nashville are still waiting for justice, their hopes pinned on the testing of sexual assault kits that could lead to much-needed arrests. The city’s Metro Council is stepping up to tackle a staggering backlog of more than 720 untested kits, moving forward with a bold plan to outsource the work and speed up the process that so many survivors desperately need.
Metro Council Takes Action
During a Metro Council meeting this past Thursday, members acknowledged the urgency of the situation and approved a resolution to accept a $243,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. This funding will be crucial as it will help outsource the analysis of sexual assault kits, ultimately aiming to reduce the backlog and lessen the delays in testing critical DNA evidence.
A Survivor’s Perspective
Among those advocating for change is Danielle Pyle, who is not just a passionate supporter for the rights of those who’ve been sexually assaulted – she is also a survivor herself. “I had a case that unfortunately was mishandled, and it resulted in me not being able to find justice,” Pyle shared. As she reflected on her own traumatic experience, she expressed her frustration over not knowing where her rape kit is, saying, “My assault happened in April of 2021, and to this date, I still don’t know where it is, where it lives, or if anyone has tested it.”
A Powerful Advocate for Change
Pyle’s journey has transformed her into a powerful advocate for victims’ rights. She has taken significant steps to push forward “Danielle’s Law,” legislation aimed at extending the statute of limitations for civil suits related to sexual violence in Tennessee. Her mission goes beyond just her own experience; she is dedicated to ensuring that no survivor has to face the same uncertainty regarding their rape kit. “If we can solve the timeline of testing, it will make our city safer,” she argued passionately.
The Background on the Backlog
The backlog of untested kits in Nashville traces back to 2015, coinciding with the establishment of the city’s crime lab. Despite the Metro Nashville Police Department opening the first local forensic bio lab, they faced significant challenges filling crucial DNA analysis positions over the years. Fortunately, the lab is now fully staffed, and while the backlog of over 725 untested cases remains unresolved, it is no longer growing.
Mayor O’Connell on the Plan
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell has emphasized that the new outsourcing plan would be a significant step toward clearing the backlog. “We’ve made progress in increasing staffing levels at the MNPD lab, but we know that both law enforcement and victims want the process to move more quickly,” O’Connell explained. He reassured that this outsourcing effort is designed to supplement their existing work and, most importantly, focus on victims who are in dire need of answers.
Hope for Survivors
The $243,000 grant from the DOJ is expected to fund outsourcing for the next two years, with a hopeful outlook on reducing the amount of time it takes to process and test evidence. This development has sparked a sense of hope among survivors and advocates alike. “I think it’s phenomenal that the issue of sexual assault kit testing is finally at the forefront,” Pyle said exuberantly. “This is a real issue that can be solved, and I’m thrilled to see the council taking action to make our city safer.”
In Nashville, progress is being made to bring justice to victims and provide critical information for ongoing investigations. With dedicated advocates and strong community support, there’s a renewed sense of purpose and hope for brighter days ahead.
