All Of It Podcast Summary: "The Mysterious Woman Who Pioneered the Rape Kit"
Podcast Information:
- Title: All Of It
- Host: Alison Stewart
- Guest: Pagan Kennedy, Author of The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story
- Episode Title: The Mysterious Woman Who Pioneered the Rape Kit
- Release Date: January 21, 2025
- Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work. Hosted by Alison Stewart, the show delves into diverse cultural narratives, fostering a community of varied perspectives.
Introduction: Unveiling a Hidden History
In this compelling episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart engages in a profound conversation with Pagan Kennedy, the author of The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story. The discussion centers around the origins of the rape kit, a vital tool in sexual assault cases, and the enigmatic figure behind its development—Marty Goddard. The episode explores the complexities of Marty's contributions, her subsequent disappearance, and the broader implications for the forensic and legal handling of sexual assault evidence.
The Genesis of the Rape Kit
Alison Stewart introduces the topic by highlighting the inadequacies in handling sexual assault evidence in the early 1970s. She sets the stage by describing Marty Goddard's initiative to standardize evidence collection, which was crucial for prosecuting sexual assault cases effectively.
Quote:
"[...] evidence in sexual assault cases was often gathered haphazardly and stored improperly. It made prosecuting cases very difficult."
— Alison Stewart [00:38]
Pagan Kennedy clarifies the complexity surrounding the invention of the rape kit, emphasizing that while Marty Goddard played a pivotal role, she may not be the sole inventor.
Quote:
"It's very complicated to say who invented the exact first rape kit. So we can't put that on Marty Goddard. Exactly. But she was really crucial in creating and rolling out the system we have now."
— Pagan Kennedy [02:23]
Marty Goddard: The Woman Behind the Kit
Pagan Kennedy delves into Marty's background, detailing her volunteer work at a crisis hotline and her firsthand experiences with the injustices faced by sexual assault survivors. Marty's initiative to develop a standardized evidence collection system marked a significant shift in how sexual assault cases were handled.
Quote:
"She came up with a new standardized way for training hospital staff and police in gathering evidence in a rape case. Her rape kit bore the name of a male police officer who worked with her on the project. And soon her contributions were all but forgotten."
— Alison Stewart [00:38]
Collaboration and Challenges: Louis Vitullo and the Playboy Foundation
The conversation highlights Marty's collaboration with Louis Vitullo, a respected Chicago police sergeant whose name became associated with the rape kit to facilitate its acceptance within the police department. Despite initial resistance, Vitullo's endorsement was instrumental in the kit's adoption.
Quote:
"He threw me out of his office. But then days later, he called her back in and he had made a prototype of the kit."
— Pagan Kennedy [13:57]
Pagan also reveals an unexpected ally in the Playboy Foundation, where Marty's friend Margaret Standish (now Margaret McCorney) secured necessary funding. This partnership underscores the unconventional avenues Marty's activism navigated to sustain her initiatives.
Quote:
"She ended up working with the Playboy foundation and even having fundraisers in the Playboy Mansion, which was, you know, not sort of some strange bedfellows."
— Pagan Kennedy [16:49]
Implementation and Impact: Building a National System
Implementing the rape kit system was not merely about the physical evidence collection but also involved extensive training across hospitals, police departments, and crime labs. Marty’s efforts established a national standard that revolutionized the processing of sexual assault evidence.
Quote:
"You had to get this service in every hospital and work with, train the police and the crime labs and the healthcare workers to all be on the same page."
— Pagan Kennedy [18:44]
The introduction of the rape kit created a crucial pathway for survivors to seek justice, transforming societal and legal perceptions of sexual assault.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Marty Goddard
A pivotal point in the conversation is Marty's sudden disappearance following the establishment of the rape kit system. Pagan Kennedy recounts her extensive search for Marty, uncovering that Marty was assaulted in the late 1970s. This traumatic event, coupled with professional challenges and lack of recognition, led Marty into obscurity.
Quote:
"She was assaulted herself in the late 1970s after she had already created her nonprofit and started up this system."
— Pagan Kennedy [20:13]
Pagan further explains that Marty's diminishing respect within the male-dominated field of criminology and her struggles with alcoholism contributed to her withdrawal from public life.
Unearthing Marty's Legacy: Insights from Archived Interviews
Kennedy shares insights from discovering and analyzing archived interviews with Marty from the early 2000s. These tapes provided a window into Marty's personality—her tenacity, innovative spirit, and ability to connect with people—painting a vivid picture of the woman who was instrumental in shaping a critical tool for justice.
Quote:
"She was really good at kind of flying under the radar, coming into an office, explaining what she was going to do, how she had the answer to your problem."
— Pagan Kennedy [22:11]
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact and Unresolved Mysteries
The episode concludes by acknowledging Marty's significant yet underappreciated contributions to the justice system and the enduring legacy of the rape kit. While Marty’s disappearance remains shrouded in mystery, her work continues to impact countless lives by providing a structured method for evidence collection in sexual assault cases.
Quote:
"She was very much key to the existence of this new national system."
— Pagan Kennedy [22:00]
Kennedy's investigation not only sheds light on Marty Goddard's pivotal role but also critiques the systemic challenges faced by women activists in male-dominated fields. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the individuals behind transformative societal tools and the importance of recognizing their contributions.
Final Thoughts:
This episode of All Of It masterfully intertwines historical narrative with investigative journalism, uncovering the untold story of Marty Goddard and the origins of the rape kit. Through Pagan Kennedy's detailed research and personal insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in creating tools that serve justice and support survivors of sexual assault.