Rape kit processing fundraiser sends $6,000 to Colorado crime lab

A fundraising effort was recently held to protest the 568-day backlog in Colorado for processing sexual assault forensic exams. The initiative raised $6,000 to urge officials to take action more quickly in addressing this critical issue.

The GoFundMe campaign, named “Tell Governor Polis to Clear Colorado’s Rape Kit Backlog!”, raised over $10,000. Organizer Kelsey Harbert plans to work with county crime labs to distribute the remaining funds to expedite the processing of rape kits held at the local level.

Harbert expressed gratitude to the donors for supporting the cause, acknowledging the impact of the backlog on survivors and their families on a daily basis.

While the donation itself will not completely eliminate the backlog, it serves as a symbolic gesture. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s plan involves outsourcing 1,000 kits at an estimated cost of $2,000 per kit, as outlined in a report issued in February. The fundraiser represents community pressure for the agency to take action.

As of May 31, the CBI had over 1,300 kits in the backlog.

Harbert emphasized the importance of the community coming together to address this crisis, highlighting the urgency of the situation. She and fellow organizer Angelique Perrin intend to continue fundraising efforts until the backlog is resolved.

Officials confirmed in January that sexual assault victims were waiting over 550 days for their kits to be processed. The backlog began to grow in 2022 and significantly increased following the Missy “Yvonne” Woods tampering scandal in late 2023.

The CBI aims to reduce the turnaround time for processing kits to 90 days by the end of 2026, with the help of the donation and additional funding allocated by lawmakers. They plan to outsource 1,000 kits over the next year to expedite processing.

Legislators have taken steps to hold the CBI and the department accountable for the backlog, passing laws to enhance oversight and efficiency in processing exams. Governor Polis signed Senate Bill 304 into law, establishing a review board in the Colorado Attorney General’s Office to address the issue.

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