Nine years ago, I walked into the police station feeling alone and fearful of what would come. This would be one of the many statements I would give regarding my abuse. I was abused sexually, emotionally, physically, and mentally for months by a fire science program instructor. He would threaten me with the things that meant the most to me, such as my life, family, and future.
For some reason, I thought that coming forward about the abuse would mean my life would go back to the way it was. But I was mistaken. I was left to navigate a broken legal system alone and in the dark for many years. I was no longer being physically abused. But I would constantly be reliving my worst days over and over again with each statement I’d give and facility I’d visit. For a while, I felt like I was being punished. I even regretted ever getting help because the ones who were supposed to help me were failing me.
A statewide rape kit tracking system is so crucial for a survivor coming forward. It allows survivors, law enforcement, and medical personnel to monitor the status of rape kits in an organized system. It also holds all parties accountable for making sure the kits are correctly handled, maintained, and going through the system promptly.
Many times when a survivor leaves the facility that gave them their rape kit, they never hear anything back.
Having a proper rape kit tracking system provides the survivor with the status of their rape kit. It also allows them to gain some control back after such a traumatic experience where they felt like they lost all control of their mind, body, and life.
As a survivor, I encountered months of abuse. And for a while, I felt like my body and my mind were not mine. I didn’t feel safe or sane, and I had no idea who I was anymore. All the trust I had was smashed. My worth felt gone, and for a long while, all I felt was pain, fear, and loneliness.
As a survivor, knowing the status of my case or having others guide and update me on my case would make coming forward the whole process move faster. It would also cause less trauma and allow the healing process to begin sooner. The flawed system brought on a whole new set of emotions and trauma. And I now understand why some survivors never come forward.
A rape kit tracking system deserves to be implemented in all states. That way, hospitals, law enforcement, and labs are held accountable. A rape kit tracking system will also allow the survivor the right to their information and the chance for proper justice. Having a properly run system would prevent the backlogs we see nationwide today.
You can find more information about the backlog problem in our country and see what laws your state has passed regarding the issue here.
Featured image via Liza Summer on Pexels
