Working to end the backlog of sexual assault kits in Montana By: Marian Davidson and last updated 2021-07-01 16:40:48-04 HELENA â According to state numbers, in 2020 alone, there were nearly 1,500 victims of reported sexual assault in Montana. Legislation and a federal grant are helping ensure sexual assault kits from cases like those donât build up. When it comes to prosecuting rape and sexual assault cases, sexual assault kits are important. âThatâs the start,â Lewis and Clark County Attorney said of the kit, which comes in a small white box, filled with forms and envelopes for evidence. Across the country, thousands of sexual assault kits sit untested, creating a backlog. End the Backlog, a Joyful Hearts Foundation program aimed at eliminating the backlog of untested sexual assault kits tracks the number of untested kits in cities and states across the country. According to End the Backlog, Washington has 4,489 untested sexual assault kits. To the east of Montana, in Minnesota, the program recorded 4,988 untested kits.