HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro-Davis Administration has secured a $2.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to establish a statewide sexual assault kit tracking system in Pennsylvania. The funding, awarded to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), marks a significant step toward supporting survivors of sexual violence, increasing accountability, and improving public safety.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, chair of PCCD, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Rape and sexual assault is about power—attackers want to take away their victims’ power and dignity, their feeling of safety and security,” Davis stated. “If a victim is able to summon the strength to go through the process of getting a sexual assault examination and file a police report, they deserve to know their rape kit is being handled with care and attention, that their case is a priority.”
The funding supports the implementation of Act 122, recently signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro. This legislation mandates the creation of an electronic tracking system to allow survivors to monitor their sexual assault kits throughout the testing process. The bill, introduced as Senate Bill 920 by Senator Wayne Langerholc, also strengthens victim rights and mandates reporting by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, underscored the value of the program. “The implementation of this statewide tracking system for sexual assault kits underscores our commitment to enhancing public service and fostering transparency. Every victim of crime deserves respect, dignity, and the assurance that their case will be handled with professionalism and compassion, with a steadfast pursuit of justice.”
The tracking system is expected to streamline evidence processing, reduce backlogs, and improve transparency in the handling of sexual assault kits, giving survivors greater control over their cases. Gabriella Romeo, Public Policy Director for the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR), also highlighted the program’s impact. “This system provides survivors with transparency and accountability as well as advances Pennsylvania as a leader in supporting sexual assault survivors. It takes courage to come forward and get a forensic exam. Survivors having the option and ability to check on the status of their evidence may be very empowering and can be a step toward healing by helping survivors feel more in control.”
Through this initiative, PCCD will collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Pennsylvania State Police and Department of Health, to implement the tracking system and provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement, hospitals, and crisis programs. This effort promises to reinforce Pennsylvania’s commitment to survivors while advancing justice and public safety.
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