JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new statewide tracking system will allow survivors of sexual assault to monitor the investigative process in their case.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass announced this new system Wednesday
“Traditionally survivors of sexual assault had to wait extremely too long for even basic information about the status on their kits, but no more," said Glass.
Executive Director for the Women’s Center of Jacksonville Teresa Miles says they now have the ability to empower sexual assault survivors.
The Quigley House in Clay County and the Women’s Center of Jacksonville already have been part of a pilot program that began in 2021.
The Women’s Center of Jacksonville says since then they were able to issue codes to 158 survivors to track their sexual assault kits.
“What happens with sexual violence is a lost of control and this is the opportunity for survivors to check their kits, and know they are not going to be sitting on a shelf somewhere in a warehouse because many years ago that used to be the case," said Miles.
This tool is simple.
Every survivor has their own forensic exam kit and after their assessment they will receive a card with information on it allowing them to track it online.
CEO of Quigley House, Jennifer Rodriguez, says this new system can also help survivors heal.
“For them to have a little bit more control in the process to be able to check something and now rely on other people begins to build their confidence and their independence,"said Rodriguez.
If you need to speak with someone about sexual assault or get resources, you can call the 24-hour rape crisis hotline that’s (904) 721-7273.
If you are in Clay County and you need to speak with someone you can call Quigley House’s 24-hour crisis helpline at (904) 284-0061.