Cumberland County, Maine, is set to make history as the first county in the state to tackle the pressing issue of untested sexual assault kits. During the December 9 Commissioner Meeting, officials announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the backlog of these kits, which have long been a hidden epidemic across the nation.

The county has secured a grant to conduct a comprehensive inventory of untested kits, implement a tracking system, and test applicable kits. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that approximately 80% of sexual assault kits in Maine remain unaccounted for, often referred to as being lost in a "black hole." Only about 20% of these kits currently make it back to the lab for testing.

Tina, a key figure in the initiative, emphasized the importance of collaboration with local law enforcement and other communities that have successfully navigated similar projects. "We are thrilled to be able to jump on a tracking system already developed in two other counties," she noted, highlighting the efficiency of the approach.

The plan includes not only testing kits but also investigating cases and prosecuting offenders vigorously. Previous efforts in other jurisdictions have shown that testing these kits can yield significant results, with about 25% of tested kits leading to DNA matches in various criminal cases, including serious offenses like homicide.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing sexual violence in Cumberland County and aims to set a precedent for the rest of Maine. As the county moves forward, officials are optimistic about the potential outcomes, which could lead to justice for victims and enhanced public safety.