In December 2014, it was revealed to the public that 1,333 rape kits were found untested in Louisiana. According to EndTheBacklog, 429 of those were in New Orleans alone.

In June 2015, Gov. Bobby Jindal approved a law that made it a requirement for all means of Louisiana law enforcement agencies to submit an annual report of sexual assaults that have occurred in addition to rape kits that have been tested. On Aug. 11, Mayor Mitch Landrieu also passed a reform to make it necessary that the issue of the rape kit backlog be handled properly.

When a man or woman is sexually assaulted and decides to report the assault, part of the process is creating a rape kit, a collection of evidence that can be used to identify the assailant. By none of these kits being tested or processed, police officials are unable to go through with the investigation.

Dr. Rae Taylor, chair of the department of criminal justice, said that the reforms will have a positive impact later on, if properly instituted.

“The reforms will ensure that the sex crimes unit will be appropriately staffed with highly trained officers who are resourced with the tools necessary to conduct thorough investigations on every sexual assault case brought to their attention, and consistent with best practices nationwide,” Taylor said.

According to the press release that was published on Aug. 11, the New Orleans Special Victims Unit has been relocated to the New Orleans Family Justice Center, so survivors can connect with the detectives involved in the case as well as get any needed support. In addition to the relocation, officers will receive more in-depth training, as well as the institution of new procedures and policies.

“Today, we come together, fully committed to protecting the women and children of this city from sexual violence and abuse. While we still have work to do, we are taking definitive steps toward pulling up this problem from its root. We’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as we work together to bring justice to survivors,” Mayor Landrieu said in the press release.

Taylor said she is pleased that Mayor Landrieu has made it a priority to reform the way NOPD handles sexual assault cases and that this reform makes a powerful statement to those who have been affected by sexual assault.

“It sends a message to survivors of these horrible acts of violence that they are important and that justice will be sought. It sends a message to offenders that their violent actions will be taken seriously and that we will not stand for sexual assault in New Orleans. And it sends a message to officers that sexual assault is a very serious violent crime deserving of the most rigorous response,” Taylor said.

The Maroon reached out to NOPD for a response, but did not receive any comment.