Image courtesy of www.iamevidencethemovie.com.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) urges social workers take time to watch “I Am Evidence,” an HBO documentary that looks at the alarmingly high number of untested rape kits in the nation.

The film covers how the lack of tested rape kits has made it harder for people who are survivors of sexual assault to go after the perpetrators. However, the film also looks at advocates who are pushing to end the backlog and bring justice for survivors.

“I am evidence that regardless of what happens to you, you can get through it. You can move past it. You can grow. You can change for the better,” said Ericka, a survivor. “I am evidence that there is more to that box, there is a human being there. It is not just a kit. This is a person.”

The film will premiere on April 16 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. Here are tips to organize a watch party.

NASW supports reauthorization of the Violence Against Women’s Act, which includes funding for the investigation and prosecution of violent acts against women as well as people who are LGBT and transgender.  For more information on NASW’s advocacy work involving women go to the NASW  Women’s Issues webpages.