CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Council voted to contract with two companies to test rape kits. City leaders made the request for outside testing of the kits back in August, and two companies met the criteria.
The annual cost for rape kit testing is estimated at $1.6 million. Charlotte city leaders plan to use money from the U.S. Department of Justice to fund the contracts.
It's the latest step the Queen City has taken in keeping down the backlog of DNA testing in Mecklenburg County. In October 2023, city leaders approved two grants from the Justice Department to provide the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department with $2.9 million to hire additional staff and purchase supplies to process rape kits.
WCNC Charlotte's VERIFY team previously looked into the process for victims hoping to gather evidence using a sexual assault kit.
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, or RAINN, said DNA evidence from a sexual assault can be collected from the crime scene, but it can also be collected from a victim’s body, clothes, and other personal belongings. RAINN said a victim should always request a rape kit after an assault because the kit itself is free for all victims, and getting DNA evidence can increase the likelihood of a prosecution.
Attorney Gary Mauney told the VERIFY team while North Carolina does not have a statute of limitations when it comes to reporting a crime like sexual assault, the longer you wait to contact police, the harder it will be for prosecutors to build a case.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.