Rape victim advocate who helped KIYC investigation dies at 51

News 12 New Jersey remembers the sexual assault survivor advocate who contributed to Kane In Your Corner’s “Victims of the System” investigation.

News 12 has learned that Natasha Alexenko, who was a voice for rape and sexual assault survivors through her organization, Natasha’s Justice Project, has died at the age of 51.

Alexenko became a lawyer after surviving rape while returning home as a college student. The rape kit hasn’t been tested in 10 years. She says this experience motivated her to advocate for other survivors.

“Through my process of coming forward as a survivor, a lot of people have come into my life and helped me lay the foundation for how I can take my story and use it to help others,” Alexenko previously told News 12. “And again, it’s like it’s kind of a symbiotic relationship where I can help others and they can help me by bringing me joy and sharing their hopes and dreams.”

News 12’s New Jersey special investigative show, Kane In Your Corner, revealed how thousands of rape kits have gone untested in the state, even though survivors want them tested.

The investigation led state lawmakers to introduce a bill requiring all rape kits to be tested.