VANCOUVER, Wash. — The National Women's Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation and the Washington State Patrol host a tour of the Vancouver Crime Laboratory.
The purpose of the tour is to strengthen the partnership between both organizations to help crime victims.
Michelle Bart from the National Women's Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation (NWCAVE) believes by working together they hope to get justice for those that suffer.
"We established a partnership with them years ago to be part of the solution of ending the backlog of rape kits and so we just continue that," said Bart.
Bart says they work with law enforcement such as the Vancouver Police Department, the Clark County Sheriff's Office and other jurisdictions around the country. "We have to be at the table in order to be able to work out the kinks if you will to make sure that victims, not perpetrators get the justice in the end."
Bart says they also must understand how the justice system works.
"Victims aren't just being victimized by the perpetrators, they're being victimized by the system and we're not going to take it anymore," she said.
Bart says they {clients} need to know the role of evidence in a case such as DNA. "DNA doesn't lie. People do. Once we get there, we're able as an anti-violence organization to assist our clients and those that need a voice."
The crime lab tour is part of several events to advocate for crime victims and solve cases that impact the community. Bart says less than one percent of rapists ever see a day in jail.
"Sad but true, the laws in this country protect the perpetrators and the criminals more so than the victim. Victims should not have to fight so hard."
With the theme of the event being "No More Excuses", the hope is the partnership between the nonprofit and local agencies will bring justice to victims of crime.
"No more excuses. no more. We're here to say, we're going to hold you accountable, and we will get justice for our clients one way or another," said Bart.
If you or someone you know, needs more information about the National Women's Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation, you can visit the website here or call 360-852-8019.