Virginia law § 19.2-11.6 mandates that when a sexual assault or strangulation victim opts not to report to law enforcement, healthcare providers must inform them about anonymous evidence kits. These kits are stored by the Division for at least two years, with an option for victims to object to their destruction and request future law enforcement access. The law ensures victims are informed of their rights and the storage duration of their evidence.
It is a kit used to collect evidence from a sexual assault or strangulation victim that is stored anonymously if the victim chooses not to report the crime immediately.
They are stored for a minimum of two years, with an additional 10-year period if the victim objects to destruction in writing.
Yes, victims can have their anonymous evidence kits released to law enforcement at a later date upon request.
Victims are informed about the storage duration, their right to object to destruction, and how to request the release of their evidence kits to law enforcement.