New Jersey Launches Statewide SAFE Kit Tracking System to Support Survivors and Reduce Backlog

New Jersey is taking a major step toward supporting survivors of sexual assault by launching a statewide tracking system for Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kits. This new initiative, announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, marks a turning point in the fight for justice and transparency in how evidence is handled in sexual assault cases.

The new system allows survivors unprecedented access to the status of their rape kits, ensuring they are informed every step of the way—without needing to navigate through law enforcement or risk re-traumatization.

Improving Transparency and Survivor Autonomy

SAFE Kits, often referred to as rape kits, are created when a survivor chooses to undergo a detailed forensic examination after an assault—often lasting between four and six hours. These kits collect vital evidence that can help investigators identify and prosecute offenders. However, for too long, rape kit backlogs have plagued the justice system.

According to End the Backlog, a survivor is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds in the United States. But despite the frequency of these crimes, thousands of rape kits have historically gone untested across the country—including in New Jersey.

In response to this crisis, New Jersey secured $2 million in federal funding in 2023 to build a comprehensive tracking system. This funding supported a broader directive from the Attorney General’s Office aimed at providing consistent access to medical care, investigative tools, and trauma-informed services for survivors.

As of April 1, 2025, New Jersey reported a backlog of 5,873 untested SAFE Kits. This includes thousands of kits from prior years that had been left in the custody of law enforcement agencies—often dismissed based on officers’ subjective beliefs about credibility or perceived consent.

Key Reforms Include:

• A statewide tracking system that lets survivors monitor the status of their kits online.

• Mandatory submission of kits with survivor consent.

• Extended evidence retention from 5 years to 20 years.

• Standardized statewide protocols for testing, tracking, and storage of DNA evidence.

These reforms were codified into law in January 2025, when Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill S715/A908 into law. Every official from Warren County, NJ, voted affirmatively in support of the bill, further reinforcing the importance of this initiative in local communities.

“Survivors of sexual assault who show strength and resilience in coming forward deserve recognition and support,” said Governor Murphy. “This well-overdue bill cements into law the work our Administration has undertaken to support survivors.”

Local Access in Warren County

As of April 2025, Warren County is tracking 158 SAFE Kits, with 69 currently on hold pending survivor consent for testing. Survivors have up to 20 years to decide whether to release their kit to law enforcement. If you are one of those individuals, you can contact the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 475-6275, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to speak with a detective in the Special Victims Unit.

Why Testing Rape Kits Matters

Untested rape kits represent more than just system failure—they represent missed opportunities to bring justice and prevent future crimes. Data from other cities shows how powerful testing can be:

• In Detroit, testing 10,000 backlogged kits resulted in:

  • 2,616 DNA matches

  • 729 potential serial rapists identified

  • 36 convictions

  • Links to crimes in 40 different states

• In New York City, testing 17,000 kits from 1999–2003 led to:

  • 2,000 DNA matches

  • 200 arrests

  • 49 indictments

  • 1 exoneration

These results show that tracking and testing SAFE Kits can protect communities and validate the experiences of survivors.

Advocacy in Action: The Joyful Heart Foundation

The launch of this system also draws attention to the work of Mariska Hargitay, actress and founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation and the End the Backlog initiative. Inspired by letters from survivors of sexual violence, Hargitay has championed reform and transparency across the U.S.

“We must eliminate this backlog. We must give survivors the justice they deserve. We must hold perpetrators accountable. The stakes are simply too high,” said Hargitay.

The Joyful Heart Foundation’s Accountability Project has helped reveal more than 225,000 untested kits nationwide, pushing lawmakers and prosecutors to act.

Interestingly, Hargitay’s mother, Jayne Mansfield, once lived in Phillipsburg, NJ, and is buried in nearby Pen Argyl, PA—adding a unique local connection to this national issue.

A Brighter Future for Survivors in New Jersey

According to First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo, making the system more approachable helps encourage more survivors to come forward. The new SAFE Kit dashboard and protocols aim to build trust in the system and identify serial offenders who might otherwise go unpunished.

At Survivors of Abuse NJ, led by Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., we recognize how vital these reforms are in restoring justice and supporting survivors. We stand by every survivor seeking to reclaim their power, hold abusers accountable, and move forward with dignity.

Need Help? You’re Not Alone

If you or someone you know is being hurt, contact the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County at their 24/7 helpline: (908) 453-4181.

For legal guidance and compassionate representation, contact Survivors of Abuse NJ today for a free and confidential consultation. Our team is here to help you explore your legal rights and take action.

Source:

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/phillipsburg/sections/around-new-jersey/articles/new-jersey-launches-statewide-tracking-system-for-sexual-assault-evidence-kits