The backlog of rape kits is a nationwide problem, but some states are doing worse than others.

North Carolina has about 1,800 kits waiting to be tested for DNA, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Virginia and Kentucky have reportedly cleared their backlogs.

The AG’s Office says analyzing evidence takes about 40 days but the turnaround time for testing in North Carolina is about 15 months. Advocates say the long wait period is due to a lack of resources nationwide.

“It’s really a failure of the criminal justice system to treat sexual assault as a violent crime that it is and to prioritize evidence testing from sexual assault,” Ilse Knecht said.

Knecht is the policy and advocacy director for the Joyful Heart Foundation, which runs the End the Backlog initiative. She said the clock is ticking to ramp up testing because, “each one of these kits represents a potential offender who is on the streets right now, potentially harming other people.”

While the process is slow, North Carolina has kickstarted its efforts since 2018, when there was a backlog of about 16,000 rape kits.

We're taking a closer look Tonight at a nationwide problem, And that's the backlog of rape kits. And unfortunately, Some states are just doing worse Than others. That includes North Carolina, with about 1800 kits Waiting to be tested for DNA. WCNC Charlotte Julia Kaufman Explains why victims are having to Wait so long for results and justice. Rape kits sitting on a shelf waiting To be tested. Advocates say it Comes down to a lack of resources. It's really a failure of the Criminal justice system to Treat sexual assault as a Violent crime that it is. North Carolina is ramping up efforts To clear untested kits through its State crime lab, Ilsa Connect with, And the backlog applauds its efforts but Urges the state to work harder. Each one Of these kits represents a potential Offender who is on the streets right now. Potentially harming other people, So the clock is ticking. According to The Attorney General's office, The lab is processing kits submitted By police in September 2021. Analyzing evidence takes about 40 days, But the turn around time in North Carolina is about 15 Months. There are about 1800 kits waiting

To be tested at the DNC crime lab, Down from 5000 in July and 16,000 in 2018. Survivor Whitley Ethan is waiting for Her kit to be tested, hoping the results. Bring her justice. We're Not even close to even it being even tested. And what about when there's an ongoing Legal battle and you desperately Need that DNA? That evidence. South Carolina also has a backlog, but States like Virginia and Kentucky Have reportedly cleared theirs. Connect says the Carolinas simply had More kits to get through. You know, It seemed that there were. Years and maybe decades of. Unfortunately, kids just being put on The shelf and not tested, so it's. A big hole to climb out of, Attorney General Josh Stein tells WCNC Charlotte the state is working To hire more scientists to help With the workload, adding, quote, We will never stop working to Improve public safety and get justice For victims of sexual assault. Julia Kaufman, WCNC, Charlotte.

Charlotte, North Carolina – A Cosmopolitan City With An Affluent Lifestyle

Charlotte, North Carolina is a cosmopolitan metropolis with an array of attractions. Aside from its rich cultural and educational offerings, it also offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.

The city is located in Mecklenburg County. It is surrounded by Lake Norman and Lake Wylie. The Catawba River flows nearby.

Despite its location, the city is mild in summer. During the winter months, Charlotte experiences more rain than snow.

Charlotte is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. Most residents are affiliated with Protestant Christianity. Another large group are African-Americans.

Charlotte has a large number of Fortune 500 companies. Among them are Bank of America, Lowe’s, and American Airlines.

Charlotte also has a number of universities that attract a steady stream of graduates. Some of the top schools include Queens University, UNC-Charlotte, and Central Piedmont Community College.

Charlotte is the sixth largest urban area in the United States. Located just south of Washington D.C., it’s not hard to see why so many people want to call it home.

One of the things that make Charlotte unique is its proximity to mountains and great lakes. When the weather gets cool, you can enjoy white-water rafting and tubing at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Charlotte is also known for its craft breweries. In fact, the city has more than 18 breweries. There’s even a Belgian-style brewpub called Heist Brewery.

Whether you’re looking for a place to live, to visit, or to study, Charlotte is an excellent choice.