PROSECUTING PERSEPHONE: PROTECTING RAPE VICTIMS FROM UNREGULATED LOCAL DNA DATABASES.

The article focuses on the ethical and legal implications of unregulated local DNA databases, particularly in the context of sexual assault victims. It highlights a case involving Jane Doe, whose DNA from a rape kit was improperly stored and used by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) in unrelated investigations, leading to her arrest for a different crime. The article discusses the broader issues of privacy violations, the psychological trauma inflicted on victims, and the chilling effect such practices have on reporting sexual assaults. It advocates for legislative reforms to regulate DNA collection and storage, ensuring that victim DNA is not used against them and that their rights are protected. The article emphasizes the need for a single, state-controlled DNA database to enhance accountability and trust in law enforcement. [Extracted from the article]