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A review by chaptersofchase
The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story by Pagan Kennedy
emotional
fast-paced
4.0
First up on my non-fiction reads of 2025 - The Secret History of the Rape Kit.
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the free copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 1.14.2025
Pages: 237
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“When we drive through a tunnel or climb a flight of stairs, most of us don’t think about who designed the path that we’re traveling and how that person intended to shape our behavior and yet the infrastructure we use every day is constantly feeding us messages about who is important and who is not.”
Having worked with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for six years, I found this book deeply compelling. I realized, with a sense of humility, that I had never really thought about the origins of the rape kit—who advocated for its development or where it came from. While I’ve reviewed evidence from these kits in the past, I never paused to consider the individuals who fought for its creation and use.
What I found particularly difficult to come to terms with, while listening to The Secret History of the Rape Kit, was the realization that much of what is discussed occurred in the not-so-distant past. And, if we’re truly honest, many of these issues continue to persist in our society today, especially in the way survivors of sexual violence are treated. It’s heartbreaking that being treated with respect and dignity after such an unimaginable violation is still seen as a privilege, rather than a fundamental right.
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
Claire Danes narrates The Secret History of the Rape Kit with a calm, measured tone that balanced the emotional intensity of the story. Her voice makes the often difficult subject matter more accessible, allowing listeners to engage with the content while still feeling the weight of the narrative.
I recommend reading The Secret History of the Rape Kit if you’re looking to learn more about an overlooked moment in history.
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