The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) is more than a program—it’s a critical effort that transforms the way we address sexual assault and pursue justice. By tackling the backlog of untested sexual assault kits, SAKI opens doors to critical evidence, helping law enforcement identify offenders and link them to multiple crimes. This initiative plays a pivotal role in restoring justice for survivors, preventing further crimes, and strengthening community safety.
Bridging the Gap to Justice
Thousands of sexual assault kits sit untested each year, often due to resource limitations or procedural delays. These kits, containing vital DNA evidence, hold the key to solving crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. Without testing, these cases remain unresolved, and offenders are free to strike again. SAKI accelerates the testing of these kits, making it possible to clear backlogs and deliver justice for victims.
Since its inception, SAKI has led to over 19,000 CODIS hits, connecting offenders to known crimes and bringing new evidence to cold cases. Through SAKI, law enforcement agencies can finally make progress on unsolved cases, bringing answers to victims and families who have waited too long for a chance at justice.
Strengthening Public Safety
Beyond identifying individual perpetrators, SAKI has a broader impact on public safety. Many of the offenders identified through the program are linked to violent, often serial, crimes that extend far beyond sexual assault. By addressing the backlog, SAKI helps uncover connections to other violent crimes, creating a ripple effect of safer communities for everyone.
The program also promotes collaboration among law enforcement, forensic labs, and victim advocacy groups, ensuring a more effective and coordinated approach to addressing sexual violence. With training, funding, and technical support, SAKI builds the infrastructure necessary for ongoing success in the fight against sexual assault and violent crime.
A Victim-Centered Approach
At its core, the SAKI program is about prioritizing the needs of victims. It ensures that survivors have their voices heard, their dignity respected, and their cases handled with the care they deserve. From trauma-informed practices to clear communication, SAKI ensures that survivors are not re-traumatized during the investigation process. This victim-centered approach is essential in restoring trust in the justice system and providing a chance at meaningful closure to those impacted by sexual violence.
Looking Ahead
While the future of SAKI may depend on continued advocacy and support, its impact is undeniable. The program has already led to significant breakthroughs in solving cases, identifying offenders, and making communities safer. As we continue to face the challenge of sexual assault kit backlogs, the importance of programs like SAKI cannot be overstated.
By supporting initiatives that prioritize justice, accountability, and victim support, we ensure that future generations are empowered to tackle sexual violence head-on. The SAKI program matters because it delivers justice, holds offenders accountable, and protects survivors—ultimately making the world a safer place.
FY2025 SAKI Grant Application Deadlines
The Bureau of Justice Assistance has announced the FY2025 Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) funding opportunities. The Competitive Grant Program is now open for applications, with a deadline of October 27, 2025, for Grants.gov submissions and November 3, 2025, for JustGrants submissions. These grants provide vital resources to support testing backlogs, strengthen forensic capabilities, and expand victim-centered programs that accelerate justice. Bode encourages agencies to apply and is here to support your team through the application process, helping maximize the impact of these funds on your investigations and community safety.