Week of 8.21.09
Justice DelayedHow a backlog of crucial evidence is denying justice for tens of thousands of rape victims.It appears that your computer does not have the Flash Player required to view NOW videos. Visit Adobe to download and install the latest version of the Flash Player. A terrible statistic: one in six women will be a victim of rape or attempted rape in her lifetime. But an even more shocking reality: A backlog in processing rape kits—crucial evidence in arresting violent predators—is delaying and sometimes denying justice for tens of thousands of American women.The Weekly Q
This week, NOW travels to Los Angeles County to investigate why it has the country's largest known rape kit backlog. An internal audit found that more than 50 of their cases have already exceeded the 10-year statute of limitations on rape."The evidence that we're talking about represents human lives," Los Angeles Controller Laura Chick tells NOW. "Those are lives stacked up on the shelves waiting for justice." NOW talks with courageous rape survivors and law enforcement experts for insight and answers in this disturbing report. Are these women being victimized twice? This show was originally broadcast on April 24, 2009. Related Links and Resources RAINN: What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?, advice from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network on what to do immediately after an attack. Web Features
Human Rights Watch: Testing Justice, a report on the rape kit backlog in Los Angeles city and county.A Rape Survivor's Story Michelle C. shares her traumatic experience as a victim of rape. Rape Counseling Resources Find resources in your state dedicated to helping victims of sexual violence. Slide Show: My LAPD Ride-Along NOW Field Producer Brian Epstein travels with the LAPD as they track down a suspected rapist. An Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection, offers extensive information, legal advice, and FAQ's on domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment. Feminist.com: Anti-violence Resources, offers support for women, resource contact information, and opportunities for activism in anti-violence campaigns. Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center, research, statistics, and information from the U.S. Department of Justice. Peace Over Violence, is an organization that has made "tremendous strides in working to end violence" and has "extensive prevention programs that educate young people about healthy relationships," according to spokeswoman Calista Flockhart. Witness Justice, provides support and advocacy for victims of trauma by helping victims find safety, counseling, and ways to gain legal rights. ![]() Viewer Comments Commenter: Jennifer Commenter: Spectator Commenter: Kiernan Holland Commenter: ben munguia Commenter: Emily Murphy Commenter: goedel Commenter: Good news from Toronto, Canada Commenter: howard goodman Commenter: Marcella Chester Commenter: Dismayed Scientist Commenter: DNA Analyst Commenter: Andrea Commenter: Ayman Hossam Fadel Commenter: Donald Barre Commenter: Edward Commenter: leila dj poullada |
WEB FEATURES
Justice DelayedA Rape Survivor's Story In Your State: Rape Counseling Resources Slide Show: My LAPD Ride-Along MORE FROM NOW
How to Prepare and Protect Your ChildReporter's Notebook: Maria Hinojosa Notable Women: Advice to Generation Next PROGRAM RESOURCES
Audio: Stream | DownloadPodcast Buy a DVD Contact Us RELATED REPORTS
Topics search results will display here.
|