By: Richard L. Smith
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that $2 million in competitive federal funding has been allocated to establish an advanced tracking system for the state's Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kits.
These kits are vital tools used to preserve physical evidence collected during medical forensic examinations conducted by qualified nurses following acts of sexual violence.
The initiative is part of New Jersey's ongoing commitment to providing support and transparency to victims of sexual abuse as they navigate the criminal justice process.
This substantial grant, provided by the U.S. Department of Justice's National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, aims to ensure that sexual assault survivors have the means to track the status of their SAFE Kit and related criminal proceedings.
The funding will also play a crucial role in ensuring that SAFE Kits are stored and processed in a timely and transparent manner.
"Survivors of sexual violence in our state and beyond deserve an investigative process that is accessible and devoid of confusion. Giving these survivors tracking access during the evidence collection and review process and throughout their trials will allow them to regain control in some form while they begin to heal," stated Governor Murphy. "We are incredibly grateful to the federal government for the award of this grant to support our efforts in addressing the needs of survivors of violence in our state."
Lt. Governor Tahesha Way emphasized the importance of a statewide SAFE Kit tracking system, stating, "A statewide SAFE Kit tracking system is essential to the mental well-being of survivors of sexual assault. The ability to track one's own Kit and case will provide individuals some sense of ease in a long healing process."
Attorney General Platkin also spoke about the significance of the tracking system, saying, "While we cannot erase the pain that survivors of sexual abuse have endured, we can provide them with the tools and transparency they need to regain control over their lives.
Introducing this tracking system is a monumental step that will empower survivors to obtain information on their cases anytime, bolstering their agency and supporting them during their healing process."
J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, added, "We must stand by survivors of sexual assault, and the introduction of this grant-funded SAFE Kit tracking system marks a significant improvement in law enforcement's ability to keep sexual assault survivors informed and engaged in the criminal justice process. Together, we are sending a powerful message: Survivors will not be forgotten, and offenders will be held accountable."
Patricia Teffenhart, Executive Director of the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance, highlighted the broader impact of the system, stating, "Providing survivors routine access to their case status is a meaningful step in New Jersey's victim-centered approach to addressing Sexual Assault. This system will help ensure survivor resources are deployed where they are most needed and can help identify patterns of victimization instrumental in supporting sexual assault prevention efforts."
Recognizing the profound and lasting impact of sexual assault on survivors and their families, Attorney General Platkin has undertaken measures to empower victims with respect, sensitivity, and support.
Earlier this year, he issued Law Enforcement Directive No. 2023-1, which mandates the prolonged retention of evidence, including DNA samples, from sexual assault medical examinations if the survivor opts not to have them processed immediately.
This directive extended the previous mandatory retention period from five to 20 years.
The directive also established uniform protocols and guidelines to be followed statewide governing the tracking, secure storage, and determining the appropriate time to submit such evidence for testing.
It imposes strict limitations on circumstances under which law enforcement agencies can opt not to forward evidence for testing in cases where a survivor has granted consent.
Notably, the directive explicitly prohibits law enforcement officers and prosecutors from refusing to submit evidence for testing based solely on their belief that the sexual act was consensual, the absence of identified suspects, or the fact that the survivor has complained about a current or former spouse or partner.
This directive marks a significant stride toward a victim-centered and efficient approach to handling sexual assault cases.
