Worthy to Speak on 'Enough SAID' Progress at Giving Hope Event

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who has made decreasing the backlog of 11,000 untested rape kits a priority of her administration, will speak in Canton next week at an event supporting a charity serving women and families in the area.

Worthy will speak at a program beginning at 6:45 p.m. at the Giving Hope Women’s Giving Circle annual event at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton. A reception will be held prior to the program, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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Worthy will speak about the progress of Enough SAID (Sexual Assault in Detroit) campaign, a public/private partnership to raise funds while advocating for government funding on all levels to clear the backlog and increase rape prosecutions.

With nearly all of the 11,000 untested rape kits found abandoned in a police storage locker in 2009 now cleared, the challenge for Worthy’s office shifts to funding the investigation and prosecution of these cases. Working with the Detroit Crime Commission and Michigan Women’s Foundation, Worthy launched the Enough SAID campaign to raise money to take the cases to trial.

Though the alleged crimes occurred in Wayne County, victims and suspects live across the country. So far, DNA has been matched with violent crimes in 38 states. According to statistics, the average serial rapist commits 11 assaults, according to Worthy’s office.

Worthy has served as Wayne County prosecutor since 2004. Previously, she served as a Wayne County Circuit Court judge from 1994-2004 and as assistant Wayne County prosecutor from 1984-1994.

Proceeds from the event will support the Enough SAID campaign. Admission is $30, which includes appetizers and desserts and a performance by an ensemble of the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. The event is open to the public, and online registration is available here.

Giving Hope, Women’s Giving Circle is a donor-advised fund of the Canton Community Foundation that provides grants to address the needs of women and families in the greater Canton and Plymouth areas. Approximately 80 women comprise the Giving Circle, which aspires to make a positive community impact through philanthropy.

Event sponsors include DKSS CPAs +Advisors, Canton Creative Marketing and Canton Leisure Services.