The Maryland Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) is an effort to submit 
untested sexual assault evidence kits for forensic testing.

SAKI "Opt-In" Information Lines

833-364-0046
[email protected] 

Maryland’s previous policies on testing sexual assault evidence kits (SAEKs), commonly known as rape kits, were inadequate.  All kits were not tested and survivors were often left uncertain of the outcome of their sexual assault evidence kit and associated law enforcement investigations.  The Maryland Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) is an effort to submit untested sexual assault evidence kits for forensic testing. The project also provides survivors with access to support services, resources, and, when possible, justice.

If you were sexually assaulted and had a sexual assault evidence kit collected, your kit may now be evaluated and sent for forensic testing. It is natural to feel overwhelemed and confused about your kit being tested after all these years waiting for answers. In recognition of the complex emotions that may be associated with your kit being tested, MCASA has established an 'opt-in' method that provides all survivors with an opportunity to control how, when, and why they are contacted about their kit. You can learn more about how you can become invovled in the process of testing your kit in the 'opt-in' section below.

MCASA is committed to supporting all survivors. The MCASA SAKI Team, with support from the Sexual Assault Legal Insititute, will work with all survivors looking to obtain information about their kit. Advocates can help us spread the word and reach more survivors by posting this SAKI flyer (Spanish version) in public spaces, or use our SAKI digital toolkit for social media. 

Opt-in to SAKI Victim Notification 

In accordance with the Maryland SAKI Victim Notification Protocol, survivors will be able to opt-in to SAKI Victim Notifications at any time by speaking with an MCASA SAKI Advocate. You will be able to outline how, when, and why you are contacted by a victim notification team regarding your untested or unsubmitted sexual assault evidence kit (SAEK). An advocate will guide you through the process and explain notification options, including phone, email, and in-person meetings. 

Once your kit has been tested, the victim notification team will contact you based on your preferences. You may be contacted via phone with a request to schedule a meeting with a law enforcement officer to discuss the case, specifically SAEK testing results and investigative decisions. The notification team will continue to provide updates in accordance with your preferences, which you can change at any time. You will be given the contact information for the members of your notification team so that you can reach out with questions or concerns. 

Each victim notification team is...

  • Dedicated to protecting the privacy and safety of every survivor;
  • Committed to amplifying survivors' voices during this process;
  • Prepared to meet unique needs of each survivor to the best of their ability;
  • Available to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide you with access to local and statewide resources.

SAKI "Opt-In" Information Lines

833-364-0046

[email protected] 

Maryland SAKI Grant Testing Data

A snapshot overview of the Maryland SAKI grant rape kits that have been tested so far

Number of kits submitted for testing* 812
Number of kits tested* 796
Number of DNA profiles uploaded into CODIS** 145
Number of CODIS hits** 24

*Source: Governor's Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. Numbers as of February 23, 2024.
**Source: Maryland Office of the Attorney General. Numbers as of September 30, 2022.

Resources for Survivors

Resources for Advocates

Resources for Law Enforcement

 


This project was supported by Grant No. 2018-AK-BX-0033 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services who funded this project under sub-award number SAKI-2018-0002. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. All points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, or any State or other Federal agency.