Millions Earmarked to Clear 'Disturbing' Rape Kit Backlog

For years, they've been collecting dust — tens of thousands of evidence kits that could lead police to serial rapists but have never been tested.

But now, almost $80 million is being earmarked to help clear the massive backlog and hopefully get justice for sexual assault survivors.

Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance is putting $38 million in forfeiture funds toward the cause.

"We have finally come together to solve one of our law enforcement community's biggest embarrassments which is having treated sexual victims, particularly women, not as seriously as we have treated other kinds of crimes and victims," Vance told NBC News.

Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Loretta Lynch are set to announce that the Department of Justice is setting aside $41 million for the effort.