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Rape kits so neglected they grew mold. Calls for help that went unanswered. Witnesses and victims who were never interviewed. These are just a handful of the claims that sexual assault survivors are making against law enforcement in courts around the U.S. nyti.ms/2VXoos7
Some sexual assault survivors have grown so frustrated by being disbelieved, ignored or outright scorned that they have given up on law enforcement and turned to the courts for help. Here are some of the women who are suing the police. nyti.ms/2VXoos7
Marina Conner said she was left severely injured after being raped in an Austin parking lot in August 2015. Her screams were recorded on tape. But the man said the encounter had been consensual and was not charged. nyti.ms/2VXoos7 
Julie Ann Nitsch said she hasn't heard from the Austin police since she reported being raped in her home by an intruder in 2010. The police didn't investigate the crime scene, she says. She had a rape kit done, but still hasn't been told if it was tested. nyti.ms/2VXoos7
Emily Borchardt said she was in a ride share with the driver and a male passenger in 2018. The other rider choked her until she passed out, and she woke up in a motel room with the 2 men. She was sexually assaulted by them and a man in the room next door. nyti.ms/2VXoos7
One of the men denied meeting Emily, but his DNA was later found in her rape kit. It's unclear whether DNA was ever collected from the other 2 suspects. Her case wasn't prosecuted because her head injury didn't have "bone splintering or fracturing." nyti.ms/2VXoos7
Whatever legal obstacles these lawsuits face, they present evidence that some law enforcement agencies foster attitudes toward sexual assault survivors that make justice unlikely nyti.ms/2VXoos7
