The Problem
The number of cases of crime against women is rising annually. The latest data compiled by the National Criminal Records Bureau of India (2016) records a shocking 3,38,954 reported crimes against women.
Even in countries like the United States, a sexual assault happens every 98 seconds, according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN).
While 1 in 5 women experience rape in their lifetime, 60% of survivors don't report it, and even when they do, less than 1% of rapists are convicted. The low numbers of reporting and convictions can be attributed to many different factors such as cultural bias, societal pressures, stigma, lack of training from police and nurses, and gender inequality.
Challenges
To tackle this problem many developed countries created what is called a Sexual assault evidence collection kit (SAECK).
But there is a fundamental flaw in their process and its design.
These kits are designed to address only one problem - To collect the evidence, without thinking about the mental trauma it is for the victim, and the cumbersome nature of the procedure for the doctor. Also, the process takes about 3-6 hours to complete and is quite invasive, which makes it furthermore excruciating. In better words, the current kits lack Empathy.
Process
From the beginning it was clear that the currently used kits in other countries needed a major design overhaul in order to be adapted here. But since this comes under the domain of law, I had to be extra careful in its design and make sure its inside the boundations of the law and doesn’t create any window for misuse.
It also required a bit of medical knowledge so that while designing, one could understand the basis for using certain components, collecting the evidence in the right method as well as the aid that is required by the victim.
In the initial months, I studied the models and regulations relatd to sexual assault cases in different countries.
I also studied a few kits that were being employed in countries like Canada and the US along with the kits that are being sold commercially here in India.
Prototyping
Around 30 different prototypes were made inorder to achieve a mechanism that lays down every component inside as on a sheet and closes just like a box
The Solution
A sexual assault evidence collection kit that would allow medical fraternity to feel more comfortable and take active participation in such cases. Our carefully designed kit can allow any medical practitioner to perform the procedure with minimal or no formal training.
Design registration pending*
After doing the research and going through the cases and problems faced by the victims, I realised that one of the biggest hurdle in my country is the lack of public information and support, which causes tremendous hardships to the victims.
So I started a project to create awareness about government policies related to cases involving sexual violence. It would provide step by step information for both victims and their loved one’s in the aftermath of a sexual assault, as well as the Do’s and Don'ts.
