Funding To Analyze Rape Kit Backlog

Seen As Aid In Arresting Rapists
The Courier learned exclusively last year that thousands of rape kits were kept in a refrigerated warehouse at 47-15 Pearson Pl., Long Island City, awaiting availability of the $700 per rape kit fee needed for DNA assessment.
Weiner said he met last week with Attorney General John Ashcroft to announce that passage of his bill by Congress had now resulted in the freeing up of $60 million for the DNA studies. "Rape is a tough crime to stop," Weiner said. "We expect this funding will clear up the backlog of cases so that justice can be done."
He called DNA a "powerful tool and has been used to exonerate convicted murderers and those facing execution. Now were continuing to put this technique to work in the interests of justice."
According to authorities, $2 million is needed to clear the backlog of rape kits held in the Long Island City warehouse representing rapes in New York City.
Meanwhile, New Yorks senior senator, Charles Schumer unveiled a bill that would provide $100 million to hospitals to better care for rape victims and undercover evidence to apprehend their assailants.
The federal funds would help expand the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program, which trains hospital staff to treat rape victims and gather evidence.
"The SAFE program is a win-win," Schumer said. "It helps victims of sexual assault and equally important, it helps police catch rapists who would otherwise be at large only to strike again."
The Schumer bill asks for $50 million to be distributed nationally. "New York needs the funding," said Schumer in front of a Manhattan hospital. "The City had over 2,000 reported rapes last year and has had another 1,000 so far this year, and only five percent of those victims received treatment from SAFE."
DNA was called instrumental last week in the arrest of a 19-year-old East Elmhurst man. A saliva sample he gave police linked him to the rape of an 18-year-old victim who was raped and sodomized in Woodside nearly eight months ago. Police charged Moussa Blade with the rape.