MISSOULA – Survivors of sexual assault can now access information about their assault exam kits, some left untested for decades.
The Montana Department of Justice has launched new ways for victims to find out more about where their rape kit falls in the process, get support moving forward with a case, and support in the healing process.
An anonymous and confidential hotline and email have been set up for sex assault victims to get more information. These new services are specifically for people who completed a sex assault exam between 1995 to 2015.
The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative was awarded $3 million to get over 1,400 tested in 2016, some over 20 years old.
“It is our goal through this initiative to help bring justice and closure to those who have experienced sexual assault. Through reform, accountability, and justice, we will ensure a better future for all Montanans,” said Montana Attorney General Tim Fox.
The hotline is anonymous and confidential, call 1-888-KIT-LINE or email ContactSAKI@mt.gov. The Attorney General’s office is also working on an automated program that will allow users to track the progress of their sexual assault kit online.
The site features a video message from Montana Attorney General Tim Fox and is at www.dojmt.gov/SAKI and also includes:
- Links to survivor resources, including an interactive map to locate nearby services;
- Crisis phone numbers and contact information for local victim advocates;
- Explanations of community-based advocate and system-based advocate roles;
- Confidentiality information;
- Progress updates on the SAKI Task Force/Initiative; and
- Sexual Assault Response Teams locations.
