Mariska Hargitay Testifies to Congress on National Rape Kit Reform

Joyful Heart Foundation Founder and President Mariska Hargitay testified June 16 on Capitol Hill before the new Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence about the national rape kit backlog.

Chaired by U.S. Representatives Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Patrick Meehan (R-PA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and David Joyce (R-OH), the Task Force to End Sexual Violence unites a diverse group of members of Congress to advocate for legislation that supports victims and their families, educates communities to prevent violence, and implements solutions to end sexual assault. The Task Force has a broad focus, and we are heartened by their choice to dedicate their very first briefing hearing to this issue. 

"By elevating this issue, you are sending a powerful message to survivors of sexual assault that they matter—and their cases matter."

- Mariska Hargitay, June 16, 2017

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