The sexual assault kit is a package used to collect and preserve forensic evidence and provide medical care to survivors. The most commonly-used kits were developed in the mid-1970’s by victims’ advocate Martha Goddard and police sergeant Louis R. Vitullo. However, the existing kits fail to address some of the most urgent needs of both survivors and medical professionals.

Through redesigning the sexual assault evidence kit, I aim create an experience that:

→ Helps restore dignity and care to survivors, no longer adding to their trauma or shame;

→ Is easy and comprehensible for medical workers to administer, allowing them more time and energy for care-giving;

→ Is more nuanced in addressing the specific experiences and needs of individuals and communities;

→ Can be quickly distributed to locations across states or countries, especially regional and remote areas;

→ Cannot be lost or forgotten in a backlog; and

→ Provides hope that survivors’ experiences are believed and taken seriously.