Sexual Assault Investigation

Location: Washington

Preface: I contacted my local sexual assault legal advocate, but am needing some help while I wait for a response.

Two and a half years ago I reported a sexual assault to the local police, and it was assigned to a detective. I did a sit down interview with them at that time.

In the years since, no updates/progress on the case have been made, despite me checking in with the detective. I had a rape kit done, and several months back I found out he never submitted it to be processed. We spoke in November 2025, and he informed me the kit was sent and would take 6-8 weeks. He said after it’s processed they would get DNA evidence from him.

I never received an update, so I checked in with the detective today. He told me he never actually submitted the kit three months ago as he had to fill out some paperwork for it, which he said he will do this week.

I’m wondering what I’m supposed to do in this situation because the detective has been dragging his feet and not following through with what he said. He mentioned to me that he’s been having some health issues, which has caused some delay in him working on the case. Unbeknownst to me, the case was reassigned to someone else previously, but then reassigned again to the original detective.

The person who assaulted me has a juvenile domestic violence charge on him already, and I have had an active restraining order for several years granted by the court due to the assault. Do I have any rights in this situation I should be aware of and am I justified in making this a big deal with his superiors?