DNA Database: 21st Century Crime Fighting Tools

Every 2 minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. But the majority of these attacks are never reported to the police. If you or someone you know are attacked, it can be a very difficult decision to come forward and report the crime.

Regardless of whether you come forward right away or if you decide to wait, one of the most important tools you have in the search for justice is to have a rape kit taken. When a nurse or doctor takes a rape kit, they collect fibers and DNA samples–hair, saliva, or other fluids–which is sent to a lab to run tests that might help to identify an attacker.

The DNA database contains information for over 6 million convicted criminals, and allows law enforcement to share information across state lines. DNA samples contain accurate information that help to identify a criminal and that could bring you much closer to getting justice.

Check some other posts on sexual assault right here at the AMW Safety Center for more information and resources.