Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Tests Over 2,000 Kits, Revives Cold Cases

The Ventura County Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (VCSAKI) has tested more than 2,000 sexual assault kits that had been sitting in evidence storage for years, using advanced DNA technology to generate new investigative leads and provide renewed hope for survivors. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Bureau, has led to the closure of 125 cases and the notification of 21 victims that their cases were solved thanks to advances in DNA testing.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Emily Reber described the cases as deeply disturbing and emotionally difficult to revisit, but noted the profound reward of reconnecting with victims after decades. "It’s extremely rewarding to be able to go and meet with a victim and tell them, after 20 years, sometimes older than I am, that we've been able to solve this case," Reber said.

However, she acknowledged that these conversations can reopen painful trauma, as victims often suppress the information and are caught off guard. Victim advocate Destiny Sao, who works with survivors connected to the initiative, said the most common emotions experienced are anger, frustration, anxiety, and sometimes relief.

"They express their anger that comes from the lack of resources and the time that it had taken to test their kits. And then they feel relief.

They finally feel that somebody is there to believe them and support them throughout this process," Sao said. Officials noted that prosecutions are not always possible due to statutes of limitations and other legal barriers, but the initiative continues to provide answers and support.

More than 800 sexual assault kits in Ventura County still require testing using advanced forensic methods.