Working Women’s History Project presents an exploration of the life of Marty Goddard, who lived in Chicago in the 1970s and created a kit to gather forensic evidence of sexual violence. We gathered on March 28, 2026 at Jane Addams Hull House for this thought-provoking discussion.
Our featured speaker is Pagan Kennedy, author of The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story. Moderating our panel is Delmarie Cobb, media and political consultant and chair of the Ida B. Wells Legacy Committee. Our panelists are Saunté Harden-Tate, Community Engagement Manager, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE); Dr. Traci Kurtzer, Obstetrician-Gynecologist specializing in trauma informed care, currently medical director of Trauma Informed Solutions for Healthcare LLC; and Chenel Vanden Berk, Forensic Nursing Specialist, actively involved in the International Association of Forensic Nursing.
This program was co-sponsored by CAASE and AAUW Chicago Branch. Tech support provided by co-sponsor SEIU.
Program Excerpts
Pagan Kennedy‘s 2025 book, The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story, documents the work of Chicagoan Marty Goddard in developing the rape kit. The rape kit was (and still is) used to collect forensic evidence to prosecute those responsible for sexual assault. Pagan’s extensive research on Marty Goddard’s life and activism reveals a complicated woman who lived in Chicago in the 1970s, whose determination, passion, and persistence led to the development of the rape kit.
Watch Kennedy’s remarks on on Marty Goddard’s volunteering at Metro Help; on her realization that many teens had escaped abusive homes and had experienced sexual assault; and on her role in creating the rape kit (8:48 total).
Three amazing contemporary professionals working in Chicago described their work with victims of sexual violence.
Saunté Harden-Tate spoke on her organization, CAASE; on her work as a medical legal advocate in hospitals; and on the need for more timely processing of kits. She also spoke about funding programs that help survivors and raising awareness of the frequency of assaults. Watch an excerpt of her remarks (5:13 total).
Dr. Traci Kurtzer spoke on on discovering that working with rape victims was “her thing” and what it taught her; on recognizing the need for specialized follow-up care for victims of sexual assault; and on knowing that victims of sexual assault are more likely to experience violence again. Watch an excerpt of her remarks (5:10 total).
Chenel Vanden Berk spoke on what the rape kit is, how it’s used, and how she became involved in this work. She also passed around a rape kit and explained what patients can expect when they are examined with it. Watch an excerpt of her remarks (5:24 total).