Law Requires Free Rape Test Kits For Sex Victims Nationwide

Elkton, MD (AHN) - All states must pay for anonymous rape exam kits used for victims of sexual assault under renewed federal legislation that takes effect next years.

The enforcement of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, which aims to remove obstacles to prosecuting rape cases, will ensure that compliant states continue to get funds for women's shelters and law enforcement training provided by the law.

The provision of free forensic rape exam kits, which cost $800 each, is currently limited to some health clinics, colleges and hospitals in the U.S. and to the state of Massachusetts. Other states shoulder the cost of the kit only if the victim reports the sexual assault to the police.

The anonymous rape test kit available in emergency rooms is used to collect rape evidence for use by police and prosecutors. Material in the kit includes a tube for a blood sample, a urine sample container, paper bags for clothing collection, cotton swabs for biological evidence collection, and microscope slides, among other things.

The collected evidence is placed inside the kit's envelope, then sealed and labeled with a number to identify the victim. Police do not open the envelope unless the victim decides to press charges against her assailant.

The kit allows victims embarrassed to report a rape to preserve evidence until they decide to seek help from authorities.