Criminal The Kit
Dec 1, 2023
In this podcast, they discuss the high rates of sexual assault in Chicago in the 1970s and the lack of evidence collection. They explore Marty Goddard's efforts to create an evidence collection kit and the struggles she faced in securing funding. The podcast also addresses the issue of backlogged rape kits and emphasizes the importance of collective action to address sexual violence.
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Runaways Were Often Abuse Victims
- Marty Goddard learned from hotline calls that many young people fled home because of sexual abuse, not rebelliousness.
- She was outraged by police treating these kids as criminals and sought systemic change.
Evidence Gaps Blocked Prosecutions
- The crime lab told Marty, "we don't get evidence," exposing a core barrier to prosecuting sexual assaults.
- Lack of collected or usable forensic material made convictions rare despite arrests.
Use Checklists And Sign-Offs
- Standardize evidence collection with clear checklists and sign-offs so responsibility travels with the kit.
- Require signatures at each stage to preserve chain of custody and accountability.