It is unfortunately well-known that sexual assault cases frequently do not receive the level of attention they deserve from law enforcement. A glaring example is Colorado’s alarming 568-day delay in processing sexual assault exams and rape kits.
In response to this crisis, Kelsey Harbert took initiative to pressure the state and police to expedite these cases and treat them with the seriousness required. Harbert contributed $6,000 toward addressing the backlog and, alongside survivor Angelique Perrin, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise additional funds for this cause. She is currently collaborating with local crime labs across Colorado to ensure that the untested rape kits finally receive the necessary attention.
> Activists Donate $6,000 to Help Clear Colorado’s Rape Kit Backlog
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Harbert recognized that her donation alone would not resolve the underlying issues causing the delays. Nevertheless, she feels that this gesture sends a strong message to the state about the urgency for reform. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which intends to outsource 1,000 rape kits for processing, indicates that each kit costs approximately $2,000 to analyze. The agency expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that the $6,000 would cover the testing of six kits internally or three through external laboratories.
This initiative is just the beginning. Harbert and her team aim to raise $3 million via the fundraiser. Their objective is to eliminate the backlog of over 1,700 kits statewide and reduce the excessive 568-day processing time to a more reasonable 90 days.
Harbert also publicly criticized Governor Jared Polis, accusing him of minimizing the severity of the backlog in public statements while delaying meaningful progress behind the scenes. She believes he has the authority to address the crisis more swiftly but has failed to demonstrate the necessary urgency.
The funds raised will be allocated to CBI and municipal laboratories through the Department of Public Safety’s mechanism that permits public agencies to accept private donations in the form of grants. Harbert further mentioned that any remaining funds will support the Colorado SANE Nurse Program, aimed at expanding forensic exam accessibility for survivors in underserved communities.
Many internet users commended Harbert’s efforts to confront Colorado’s rape kit backlog. One Reddit commenter remarked, “A good way to thin out MAGA politicians.” Others noted that anyone opposing her efforts to resolve the issue is part of the problem rather than the solution. As one user bluntly stated, “Literally anyone upset about the rape kit backlog being cleared needs a HARD side eye.”
