South Carolina Takes Steps to Improve Sexual Assault Kit Tracking
COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a significant move aimed at better supporting victims of sexual assault, the South Carolina Legislative Audit Council (SCLAC) has released a comprehensive audit of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and its initiative to create a statewide sexual assault kit (SAK) tracking system. This audit comes in response to concerns raised by members of the General Assembly, who wanted to ensure that SLED is complying with the law and utilizing the best practices in handling the sensitive issue of sexual assault kits.
Understanding Act 134
Back in 2020, the South Carolina General Assembly enacted Act 134 (H3309, R139), directing SLED to establish a tracking system for all sexual assault kits in the state. The purpose of this system was multi-faceted. It aimed to empower survivors by providing them with information about their cases, assist law enforcement agencies in their investigations, and promote transparency to foster public trust.
The tracking system is designed to monitor sexual assault kits through every stage of the process—from the initial collection of evidence at medical facilities, through examinations and analysis in forensic laboratories, all the way to storage and, if necessary, destruction after completion of the analysis.
A System for Everyone
Access to the tracking system will be made available not only to law enforcement agencies but also to participating medical facilities and laboratories. This approach ensures that all stakeholders can update and track the status of sexual assault kits efficiently. Importantly, the system also allows victims to anonymously track their kits and receive updates, which can bring a sense of control and relief to those navigating these harrowing experiences.
The Audit Process
To conduct a thorough audit, the SCLAC engaged in interviews with SLED staff, members of the sexual assault kit task force, and various state agencies. They reviewed numerous documents, including the Track-Kit Sexual Assault Kit tracking system developed by InVita Healthcare Technologies. Additionally, the audit involved analysis of crime statistics from SLED and insights from the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General.
Key Findings from the Audit
So, what did the audit reveal? According to the SCLAC findings, the investigation of sexual assault crimes in South Carolina is currently inefficient. The absence of mandated processing and storage times is leading to delays in justice for victims, with many of them being under the age of 18. This is a critical issue, and the audit emphasizes the urgent need for improvements in the handling of sexual assault kits.
Among the crucial data points examined were the total number of sexual assault kits in the system, the number of kits that have undergone forensic analysis, and the length of time taken for such analyses. These metrics are essential in understanding the overall effectiveness of the SLED’s handling of sexual assault cases.
A Call for Action
The audit results speak for themselves, shedding light on an area that requires immediate attention and improvement. While the creation of a tracking system is a positive step forward, the findings underline the necessity for establishing clear guidelines and timelines to ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve without unnecessary delays.
As South Carolina moves forward in addressing these issues, it will be important for all stakeholders—law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups—to work together to refine the process and enhance the overall effectiveness of the sexual assault kit tracking system.
For those interested in delving deeper into the audit, the complete report is available for review, detailing all findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening the response to sexual assault in South Carolina.
This collaborative effort plays a crucial role in fostering a safer environment and upholding the rights of survivors, ensuring they are supported through every step of their journey towards justice.
