Mariska Hargitay‘s End the Backlog campaign has achieved a milestone. All 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have enacted at least one pillar of rape kit reform “in a testament to the power of sustained, survivor-centered advocacy,” the initiative announced Friday.
Maine is the 50th and final state to commit to the reform. Governor Janet Mills’ enacted budget (LD2212) commits $267,000 in annual funding to establish a statewide rape kit inventory and tracking system.
Since 2010, Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation’s End the Backlog initiative has been the driving force behind the national movement, the Six Pillars of Rape Kit Reform, described as a comprehensive, survivor-focused framework that became the national standard. The Six Pillars encompass everything from mandatory kit testing and statewide inventories to survivor notification rights and dedicated funding, “ensuring no kit, and no survivor’s story, is left behind,” according to the organization.
Hargitay’s role as the iconic Captain Olivia Benson on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit inspired her to establish the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004. Its mission is to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and put an end to the violence. The campaign aims to eliminate the backlog of hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits sitting in storage across America, providing closure for victims.
eternali17 on May 5th, 2026 at 16:47 UTC »
Hundreds of thousands of untested kits is insane. They're just sitting there?
Kardinal on May 5th, 2026 at 16:37 UTC »
This is how celebrities should use their fame (not just their money) to make a difference. Great on her.
hug_me_im_scared_ on May 5th, 2026 at 16:37 UTC »
Wonderful work!