The backlog of untested rape kits in both Flagler and Volusia Counties is finally nearing an end.

  • Flagler and Volusia counties have reduced the backlog on untested rape kits
  • Florida had backlog of more than 13,000 kits
  • A new law tightens requirements for the kits and provided funding to deal with the backlog

As of January in Flagler County, more than a dozen tests were at the sheriff's office. But sheriff's office spokesman said all of the tests have now been sent to FDLE's crime lab.

In Volusia County, the sheriff's office said there were nearly 200 in January and the number is now down to about 20 untested kits that are sent if the victims have agreed on prosecution.

Candice Wilkie works daily with victims of rape at the Family Life Center in Palm Coast. She sees firsthand the pain that victims go through.

"They're very frustrated. They feel like the system is not supportive of them. They begin to think they are not believed," said Wilkie.

Wilkie said that's because the victims wait sometimes months and even years to get answers after they've been tested for rape.

She said the center is currently working with 20 rape victims.

"A survival of sexual assault or rape is having to wait and wait and they're just being re-victimized over and over again. The backlog has pretty much held up everything as far as the process for someone who has been victimized," said Wilkie.  

Earlier this year, a Florida Department of Law Enforcement survey revealed more than 13,000 sexual assault tests had not been submitted.

That backlog led to a bill requiring law enforcement agencies to submit the kits within 30 days after a victim has been tested, and the crime lab has to process it within 120 days.

"We're completely elated that the backlog is being diminished and the state has to recognize that it's a problem,” said Wilkie. “And they're making the steps to being processed and the perpetrators are going to be held accountable." 

Volusia County’s spokesman said the sheriff’s office also sent some of the kits to a private lab to get some of the job done.

"The final 20 rape kits will be going through the same process,” said spokesman Gary Davidson. “We have a 3-year contract with the private lab, with an option for two 1-year renewals. We're estimating that we'll be spending about $50,000 a year with the lab -- not just on rape kits, but other evidence processing as well."

"Whether they follow through with prosecution, we would like all those kits processed that are submitted," said Wilkie.