Rape has been a major issue in the criminal justice system for numerous decades as many victims suffer greatly during, and after, these horrendous assaults. Those that are unfortunately touched by the event are often told to pursue on ongoing investigation. While it should be noted that much of the investigation falls within necessity, like personal statements and crime scene walk-throughs, some equally necessary elements are not included.

Rape kits are critical components to investigations of sexual assault, but have always been required to be bought by the victim them self. However, victims no longer have to be burdened by the immense cost of a rape kit. As of October 7th, 2016, victims now have full accessibility to the results of their rape kits with full notification while being completely free of charge.

For those are not fully aware, a rape kit is a thorough physical examination done on a victim to obtain forensic evidence in the form of organic fluids or other substances. This is often relating to semen or other said traces of DNA that has the capability of identifying a rapist. Like the saying goes “DNA doesn’t lie,” and it truthfully applies as a concrete set of evidence. It is a form of evidence strong enough to send away an atrocious offender for a very long time.

Naturally, many victims would be inclined to offer themselves up to justice, even by means of experiencing a potentially scarring examination while being forced to live through the memory of their suffering once more. What many rarely anticipate is how they will have to offer up their wallets for justice too.

This is a huge step for justice, as costs for a single tested rape kit used to fall well within the range of $1000 to about $1500. Presented as a major issue, most will essentially get themselves tested and find themselves entirely unable to pay such a hefty price for mere impartial consideration.

The backlogs, or excess of tests left without distribution, have grown so immense that they often spend decades in a lab, never reaching the desks of investigators or the inner sanctum of a courthouse during a case trial as they reasonably should.

The appalling nature of this previous condition was palpable in the revoked power to remove potential sexual predators from our towns and residences simply because of an unreasonable price tag. Now, at least, it seems that justice and fair appeals can be made without such overbearing restriction.

Once decided in the House of Representatives, California representative Mimi Walters said, “Survivors of sexual assault have faced unspeakable trauma, and they should not face unnecessary barriers to justice.”

The step may not seem so large for many who consider this from a detached view. In the mere logical standpoint, it seems necessary for such a high cost to be placed on a test that is both time consuming and labor intensive. However, these tests have the ability to determine future outcomes for both the victim and the assailant.

With this in mind, it is almost critical in considering that the victim brings them self forward with a precise seriousness. However, the matter of justice is not something that can or should be considered through the proposition of a designated cost. Considering such ideas dissolves justice. Motions deterring such unreasonable propositions will offer attainable due process to victims and will offer just reparation to all deserving peoples under its protection.