13 Meetings to discuss Untested Sexual Assault Kits

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A series of meetings will be hosted across the Commonwealth this summer, to talk about the crisis of untested sexual assault kits and other sexual assault procedures.

 Auditor of Public Accounts Adam Edelen and the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs will be hosting the 13 meetings, as part of an examination by the Auditor’s office to count the number of untested sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) kits that are being held by local law enforcement.

Auditor Edelen says he wants to talk to others who are involved in sexual assault investigations, to gather information about the issues and challenges they face.

“These meetings are an important part of our examination of the complex issues surrounding untested rape kits,” Auditor Edelen said. “I hope to hear from law enforcement, prosecutors, survivors and others as we begin working toward recommending reforms to the system.”

The Auditor’s office says they are focusing on how the kits are logged, tracked and stored, how decisions to test kits are made, whether victims are notified of the status of their kits. They will also be investigating whether law enforcement have appropriate policies, procedures, and training to handle the kits and deal with sexual assault victims.

Anyone who has been involved in sexual assault investigations is welcome to attend the meetings, authorities say, to express concerns and experiences. Because it is a sensitive issue, the Auditor understands some individuals may wish to keep their information confidential.

If you are unable or unwilling to attend the public meetings, Auditor Edelen invites concerns and opinions via email at stephenie.hoelscher@ky.gov. Likewise, individuals may share their concerns with the Auditor privately by requesting time in advance of the meetings to do so.  

Stakeholder Meetings

June 23

2 p.m. CST

New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services, 1716 Scherm Rd., Owensboro

June 26

10 a.m. CST

Purchase Area Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center, 1605 North Friendship Road, Paducah

June 30

10 a.m. EST

Women’s Crisis Center, 3580 Hargrave Drive, Hebron

July 1

11 a.m. EST

Silverleaf Sexual Trauma Recovery Services, 751 South Provident Way, Elizabethtown

July 7

10 a.m. EST

Cumberland River Behavioral Health, 1203 American Greeting Road, Corbin

July 7

2 p.m. EST

Adanta Sexual Assault Resource Center, 130 Southern School Road, Somerset

July 9

10 a.m. CST

Economic Justice Institute, 2109 Old Louisville Road, Bowling Green

July 9

2 p.m. CST

Hopkinsville Municipal Center, 715 S. Virginia Street, Hopkinsville

July 13

10 a.m. EST

145 Constitution Street, Lexington

July 14

2 p.m. EST

The Rising Center, 637 Morton Blvd., Hazard

July 21

10 am EST

Mason County Health Department, 120 West Third Street, Maysville

July 21

2 p.m. EST

Park Place, 1701 Central Avenue, Ashland

July 8

1 p.m. EST

Center for Women & Families, 927 S. 2nd Street, Louisville