A company that has begun marketing an at-home sexual assault evidence kit is defending its product, while Michigan's Attorney General says she remains concerned about what she calls “serious inadequacies” of the kits.
Last week the Attorney General sent a letter ordering the MeToo kits company, which manufacturers the sexual assault kits, to “cease and desist” and accused the company of engaging in unfair trade practices. The AG was particularly concerned that the evidence kits would not hold up in court.
The New York based company has since responded, saying that they “wholeheartedly agree with the Michigan Attorney General” … that reporting a sexual assault to law enforcement and going through a medical forensic exam are the first and best options for bringing perpitrators to justice.
But, the company added, some survivors are hesitant or unwilling to go through this process - which is -quote- “the problem we are working to solve.”
The company ended by saying they “look forward to the opportunity to clarify these matters with the Michigan Attorney General”
A spokesperson for the Attorney General said while the kits may be a “well-intentioned way to commercialize and potentially profit from sexual assault” their office continues to be concerned about the likely legal problems with using an at-home kit for what could turn into a criminal case.