Fresh Air Episode Summary: "The Secret History Of The Rape Kit"

Title: The Secret History Of The Rape Kit
Host: Tonya Moseley
Guest: Pagan Kennedy, Investigative Journalist and Author
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Book Discussed: The Secret History of the Rape: A True Crime Story by Pagan Kennedy

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this poignant episode of Fresh Air, host Tonya Moseley engages in an in-depth conversation with investigative journalist Pagan Kennedy about her new book, The Secret History of the Rape: A True Crime Story. The discussion centers on the oft-overlooked contributions of Marty Goddard in the development of the rape kit, a critical tool in investigating sexual assaults.

2. Unveiling Marty Goddard's Role

Pagan Kennedy begins by explaining how she discovered Marty Goddard's pivotal role in creating the rape kit, challenging the commonly held belief that Chicago Police Sergeant Louis Vitullo was the sole inventor.

Pagan Kennedy (02:12): "I couldn't really think of a lot of things that had been designed or created to back up the story of a survivor and to actually prove that an assault had happened."

Kennedy highlights that while Vitullo was instrumental in advocating for the use of rape kits within the Chicago Police Department, it was Goddard, a background activist, who masterminded the development of the kit.

3. Marty Goddard’s Work with Runaway Youth

Goddard's professional journey began in the 1970s at Metro Help, a hotline for runaway teenagers in Chicago. Through her volunteer work, she uncovered a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse among runaway youth.

Pagan Kennedy (05:17): "She was very, very upset about that issue... she was just generally looking at, okay, if what I'm seeing is correct, I'm seeing this hidden epidemic of... incest... Why are we not catching them?"

Goddard's observations led her to question the systemic failures in addressing sexual abuse, ultimately driving her to develop a standardized method for evidence collection.

4. Challenges and Gender Discrimination in Sexual Assault Cases

Moseley and Kennedy delve into the antiquated and discriminatory practices surrounding sexual assault investigations in the 1970s. One significant issue was the legality of marital rape, which was permissible in all 50 states at the time.

Pagan Kennedy (07:58): "Marital rape was legal in all 50 states in the early 1970s. It's so bizarre... victim blaming was just crazy."

Kennedy recounts how victims were often dismissed, with police handbooks instructing officers to suspect lying when women accused men of assault.

Pagan Kennedy (09:15): "Many women who accused men of assault are lying... They're just trying to get revenge on a cheating boyfriend."

5. The Naming of the Vitullo Kit and Gender Politics

Despite Goddard's significant contributions, the rape kit became colloquially known as the "Vitullo kit." This naming was a strategic move by Goddard to garner credibility within a male-dominated police force.

Pagan Kennedy (15:03): "She trademarked the kit as the Vitullo kit... to have the imprimatur of the police department and have a man's name on it."

Kennedy emphasizes that this choice was less about personal recognition and more about ensuring the kit's acceptance and legitimacy.

6. Evolution and Impact of Rape Kits Over Time

The original rape kit, composed of simple materials like cardboard boxes, swabs, and slides, laid the foundation for modern forensic evidence collection. Despite its rudimentary nature, it was groundbreaking in providing a systematic approach to handling sexual assault cases.

Pagan Kennedy (21:50): "It's still similar to that first kit. But this was designed in the 70s... I would love to see how we could make the kit now much more resilient with digital evidence."

Kennedy advocates for the modernization of rape kits to incorporate digital advancements, enhancing their efficacy in today’s technologically driven landscape.

7. Rape Kits: Supporting Both Survivors and the Accused

The conversation highlights an often-overlooked aspect of rape kits: their role in preventing wrongful convictions. By providing concrete evidence, rape kits can exonerate individuals falsely accused of assault.

Pagan Kennedy (29:40): "This is something that I feel people aren't aware enough of—that exonerations can come from this system."

Kennedy notes that the increase in processed kits has contributed to a decline in wrongful accusations, underscoring the kits' dual utility in the justice system.

8. Addressing the Backlog of Rape Kits

A significant issue discussed is the longstanding backlog of unprocessed rape kits, which hinder justice for survivors. Kennedy traces the origins of this problem to the high costs associated with DNA testing in the early days.

Pagan Kennedy (32:55): "As soon as DNA identification became possible, there were backlogs because it was expensive to do, especially in the early 1990s."

Activism, particularly in Detroit, has brought renewed attention and resources to address these backlogs, though challenges remain in ensuring all kits are processed promptly.

9. Pagan Kennedy’s Personal Connection

Kennedy bravely shares her own experiences with sexual assault, intertwining her personal narrative with her professional investigation. This candid admission adds depth to her exploration of systemic failures in supporting survivors.

Pagan Kennedy (34:37): "I kept realizing that as I'm telling the story of Marty Goddard... I'm a little kid at that time, grappling with what has happened to me."

Her vulnerability underscores the pervasive impact of sexual assault and the importance of robust support systems like rape kits.

10. The Legacy of Marty Goddard

Concluding the discussion, Kennedy emphasizes the importance of recognizing Marty Goddard's contributions. Her meticulous approach to problem-solving and dedication to systemic change serve as an inspiring model for effecting meaningful reform.

Pagan Kennedy (37:04): "She diagnosed the problem specifically in Chicago... She was working at this level of a designer and a creator... you can make quite a significant change for the good."

Kennedy advocates for continued innovation and collaboration among survivors, medical professionals, and technologists to enhance the effectiveness of rape kits and support systems.

Notable Quotes

• Pagan Kennedy (09:15): "If somebody is a sex worker or just is disheveled or whatever, for whatever reason, they could just completely write them off."

• Pagan Kennedy (26:33): "The whole point of this project was to have a survivor stand up and tell her story, but be backed up in a courtroom."

• Pagan Kennedy (34:37): "I didn't even think of myself as a survivor, really. It just seemed to me like I was... but as I thought more about it, I realized... what happened was a crime."

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air sheds light on the unheralded efforts of Marty Goddard in pioneering the rape kit, revealing the complexities and gender biases inherent in the criminal justice system's handling of sexual assault cases. Pagan Kennedy's exploration not only honors Goddard's legacy but also calls for ongoing advancements to support survivors and ensure justice.

Note: Advertisements, intros, and non-content sections from the transcript have been omitted to focus solely on the substantive discussion between the host and guest.