Rape Victims Urge Texas Delegation to Fully Fund DNA Grant Programs

DALLAS, June 29 (PRNewswire) -- Debbie Smith, an outspoken rape survivor and advocate for the use of forensic DNA in investigations, met today with three Texas rape victims, the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County District Attorney's Office to discuss the importance of DNA testing to public safety. Ms. Smith and others urged the Texas Congressional delegation to fully fund the federal grant programs for forensic DNA testing. The federal funds have been vital in Texas and other states as criminal laboratories attempt to address the backlog of unsolved cases and offender profiles awaiting DNA analysis.

Debbie Smith lobbied Congress to enact H.R. 5107, the Justice For All Act of 2004, authorizing over $155 million each year through 2009 to help states and local governments reduce their backlogs of DNA evidence from unsolved crimes and convicted offender samples. Title II of the bill was named the Debbie Smith Act in honor of her efforts. The President has proposed to fully fund the Debbie Smith Act grants at $155 million for 2007, and the proposal in the House of Representatives matches this amount. "It is my most sincere hope that funding for DNA programs will be enacted at these levels. This money is so important. It can change lives; it can save lives," stated Ms. Smith.

With the help of federal DNA grants, Texas has significantly increased its DNA analysis and has collected over 300,000 offender profiles for the database. The state reports it has made almost 1,000 matches on its DNA database, and aided over 1,200 investigations. Nearly half of all database matches have been to unsolved rapes. Debbie Smith noted that the state of Virginia, which has the most mature DNA database in the country, is now boasting over 3,000 database matches, with no-suspect forensic cases having a 50% success rate for being matched to an offender's profile. "With the possibility of instantly providing a suspect in six out of ten stranger rapes, how can we afford anything less than full funding for DNA programs? What other forensic program has this sort of success rate for solving violent crimes?" Mrs. Smith declared. "It is so important for this program to be fully funded. The general public safety relies on it."

The event was hosted by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, which noted, "There is no other forensic discipline that has the immediate impact to solve violent crimes that this DNA database has. It is essential that we fund this testing both at the federal level and at the state level to continue the success of this program." Also speaking in support of continued funding was the Dallas Police Department's First Assistant Chief, David Brown. "The Dallas Police Department recognizes that many crimes could not be solved without the analysis of DNA evidence," he said. "That is why we support the continued federal funding of forensic DNA programs which are an invaluable tool for law enforcement."

In a statement for the press, Toby Shook, of the Dallas District Attorney's Office, commented on the importance of DNA in the courts. "DNA evidence is the single most powerful piece of evidence that a prosecutor can present to a jury. DNA has the power to go back in time and identify previously unknown criminals and prevent their future crimes. It is imperative that law enforcement make full use of DNA technology in hunting down these murderers and sexual predators. That is why I enthusiastically support the Debbie Smith DNA Grant Program."

Mrs. Smith pleaded, "It is my most fervent hope that Congress will reconsider their recommendations for reduced spending on DNA programs. Anything less will mean a longer wait for DNA analysis on crime scene evidence. And as we wait, Texas and other states will have needless rapes, homicides and other crimes that remain unsolved as those criminals remain on the street to commit more crime. This funding can bring closure to victims and their families, and can prevent additional crimes from occurring. It can save lives."

Others attending the meeting in support of Mrs. Smith's plea for fully funding of the Debbie Smith Act grant included representatives of Brighter Tomorrows, Victim's Outreach, Dallas County Sexual Assault Coalition, Texas Victim Services Association, and the Crime Victim Council of Dallas County.

Survivors of sexual assault in Texas are urged to call 1-800-656-HOPE for referral to a local rape crisis center.

About H-E-A-R-T, Inc. H-E-A-R-T (Hope Exists After Rape Trauma) is a non- profit organization founded by Debbie Smith. Its mission is to provide hope for victims of sexual assault through the provision of essential and therapeutic support, by affecting positive change in laws influencing their lives, and by educating both the public and professionals commissioned to serve victims.

H-E-A-R-T Inc.
CONTACT: Robert and Debbie Smith of H-E-A-R-T Inc., +1-804-829-2981 orrobanddeb@hughes.net