Attorney General Dana Nessel sent a cease and desist letteron Thursday to a New York-based companymarketing at-home sexual assault evidence kits.
In her letter, the Attorney General said she was skeptical that the kits would hold up in a court of law and accused the company of engaging in unfair trade practices.
Kelly Rossman-McKinney is a spokeswoman for Nessel. She said it is unlikely at-home evidence collection could be used in court.
“It’s likely it can’t because it wouldn’t follow the chain of evidence as is required,” Rossman-McKinney said. “There’s a great deal of concern about that.”
She says Michigan provides free sexual assault collection kits for anyone who seeks medical attention for sexual assault with 120 hours of their assault. The attorney general also pointed out that the kits do not address the health needs of survivors and fail to direct survivors toward necessary emotional support resources.
The company advertises the kit as empowering “survivors to accurately collect evidence in a setting and timing of their choice.” The website does not list a price for the kits.
Rossman-McKinney said she is angry that the company used the language of the #Me Too movement to try and sell a product.
“The overarching concern is that this is taking advantage of victims who have already been taken advantage of,” she said. “We will take every step we can to make sure these kits aren’t available.”
Officials with the MeToo Kits Company said they would comment after the holiday weekend.
The company has ten days to respond to the attorney general’s letter, after which Rossman-McKinney said her office will likely bring “aggressive” legal action.
