The WEC 738 rape kit helps survivors preserve evidence, report independently, and access immediate medical care.
On a quiet afternoon in New York, Dr. Eva Kroczynski introduced an innovative evidence kit designed to support survivors of assault. The kit reflects over five years of dedicated research and development and builds on Dr. Kroczynski’s 15 years of humanitarian work in women’s health, including 17 missions with UN Women and UNICEF. Her work has taken her across multiple continents, from urban centers to remote communities, observing firsthand the challenges survivors face when seeking support and documentation.
Unlike traditional systems, this evidence kit provides survivors with greater autonomy in preserving documentation, navigating complex processes, and accessing immediate support. Survivors often encounter systemic obstacles that delay or prevent reporting, especially when the perpetrator is a family member or someone close. This kit was created to address those gaps, offering a structured and survivor-focused solution. By prioritizing independence, the kit allows individuals to act on their own timeline, providing a measure of control during a difficult and uncertain period.
Dr. Kroczynski explains that the kit empowers survivors to maintain control over personal documentation while ensuring that their cases are appropriately recorded. “Our goal has always been to provide a solution that prioritizes independence and safety,” she says. The kit combines practical tools and guidance, giving survivors a framework to manage their circumstances with dignity and confidence.
The development of the kit was informed by extensive research and field experience. Dr. Kroczynski has published over 40 scientific articles in leading journals and developed protocols on trauma-informed care recognized by medical institutions in Europe. This latest project integrates practical, legal, and social support frameworks into a comprehensive solution tailored to survivors’ needs. Her approach demonstrates the value of combining academic rigor with hands-on humanitarian work, ensuring that the kit is both effective and accessible.
The kit itself is carefully structured to address practical needs. It includes guidance on preserving documentation, access to support resources, and instructions aligned with established best practices. By providing clear, step-by-step procedures, the kit ensures that survivors can navigate processes effectively without depending entirely on external systems. A key focus is on equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to act independently, which can reduce delays and uncertainty during critical moments.
A central feature of the project is its emphasis on autonomy. Survivors often face delays, limited access to support, and bureaucratic hurdles when seeking assistance. By giving them tools and resources to manage their situations independently, the kit enhances confidence, reduces uncertainty, and provides structured support.
The launch of the kit in Europe marks a milestone in global efforts to improve support systems for survivors. Dr. Kroczynski and her team have adapted the kit to work within multiple legal frameworks, ensuring it can be effectively integrated into diverse environments. Hospitals, advocacy organizations, and local support groups are collaborating to provide consistent standards of care and protection across regions. These partnerships demonstrate how coordinated efforts can amplify the positive impact of innovative solutions, improving outcomes for those most in need.
For Dr. Kroczynski, the ultimate measure of success is the positive impact on the individuals who use the kit. Survivors report increased confidence in managing their cases and improved access to support services. This outcome validates years of research, fieldwork, and advocacy, reinforcing the importance of survivor-focused, human-centered solutions.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kroczynski envisions continued refinement of the kit to expand its accessibility and effectiveness. Her mission remains clear: to provide tools that enhance independence, protect personal documentation, and facilitate access to essential support. By combining research-based methods with humanitarian principles, she continues to lead efforts in improving practical solutions for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Kroczynski’s work underscores the broader importance of developing programs and resources that center on survivors’ needs. Her commitment demonstrates how innovative solutions, informed by research and field experience, can improve outcomes, empower individuals, and inspire systemic improvements. The collaborative approach, emphasis on autonomy, and dedication to evidence-based solutions make this project a model for addressing complex humanitarian challenges worldwide.
Learn more about Dr. Kroczynski’s initiatives, research, and publications here:
