For the past 22 years, the only rape evidence collection center in
Orange County has been in Anaheim. This means over a 50 mile drive for
some women who are already traumatized. According to the officers we
have spoken with, these traumatized victims cannot face that. The
evidence goes uncollected. The perpetrator can go free.
One
argument we get is that personnel need to be trained to preserve the
chain of evidence. There are an abundance of nurses trained in this area
now.
A second argument is that a mobile
van comes to South Orange County to take the evidence. What they do not
mention is that this is only in the case of victims who are
hospitalized. Most victims are not.
Please contact the County Supervisors and tell them that we deserve better than this.
