Ethereum Entrepreneurs Redefine 'Rape Kit'

A Controversial Approach to Sexual Assault Evidence Collection

Labeled as both groundbreaking innovators and “dirty scammers” by critics, Leda Health, co-founded by Madison Campbell and Liesel Vaidya, positions itself as a champion for individuals who have experienced sexual assault.

Innovative Kits Face Opposition

Leda Health’s do-it-yourself evidence-collecting kit, utilizing Ethereum blockchain technology, represents a notably ambitious endeavor within the realm of feminist-driven technological applications. However, the project has encountered significant resistance. To date, 16 members of Congress have voiced their disapproval of the upcoming kits.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel characterized Leda Health’s efforts as an attempt to exploit the #MeToo movement for financial gain. The DIY kit faced potential bans in both New Hampshire and Utah prior to its official launch, yet Campbell and Vaidya remain undeterred.

The Personal Motivation Behind Leda Health

Campbell, a survivor herself, understands the reasons why individuals may delay reporting an assault to the police. She explains that, in her own experience, by the time she was prepared to come forward, there was only her account against her assailant’s.

“A substantial number of rape kits are lost within the existing system,” Campbell stated. “The overwhelming response from survivors who believe this product could positively impact their lives is what motivates me to continue.”

Launch Plans and Support Services

Leda Health intends to launch these kits in the fall of 2021, initiating a beta rollout in collaboration with several universities. Complementary support services will be offered, including therapy and transformative justice groups facilitated by licensed professionals.

The company plans to operate on a business-to-business model, targeting universities, corporations, and the military. The goal is for these institutions to fund access to the products and services for their students. Campbell acknowledges the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for robust case studies demonstrating the kit’s effectiveness, including restorative work with those who have caused harm.

Concerns About False Hope and Effectiveness

While offering free therapy and resources to institutions seems logical, critics express concerns that the kits may provide survivors with unrealistic expectations, as they may be less persuasive in court than rape kits processed by law enforcement and accredited clinics. Conversely, a significant number – tens of thousands – of rape kits remain untested by police annually.

Blockchain Technology and Survivor Empowerment

Vaidya highlights that Leda Health’s mobile app, powered by Ethereum, empowers survivors to document their experiences independently. The use of blockchain technology ensures the time-stamping of evidence collected within the kit, placing control back in the hands of those affected.

“Our focus is on providing resources, not on proving consent,” Vaidya clarified.

Legal Perspectives and Timing Considerations

According to Chief Deputy District Attorney John Henry of California’s Riverside County, this commercial product is unprecedented. He notes that it is premature to determine whether it will assist survivors who are hesitant to immediately involve law enforcement. The timing of evidence collection is also crucial; if a survivor cannot access a clinic promptly after an assault, biological evidence may be lost.

“Law enforcement and medical personnel possess experience and training in questioning, follow-up procedures, and identifying crucial information – knowledge generally unavailable to the public,” Henry explained. “As a prosecutor, I prefer statements and investigations conducted by these professionals. A kit collected improperly may be subject to scrutiny by a jury, though any evidence is better than none.”

Evidence as a Tool, Not a Guarantee

It’s important to remember that a rape kit, regardless of its source, does not automatically lead to a conviction or disciplinary action. It serves as a tool within a larger investigative process. Nevertheless, the concept of survivors managing their own data has provoked strong opposition.

Facing Harassment and Threats

“Our office was burglarized in 2019,” Vaidya revealed. “We have also documented potential investors participating in online discussions advocating for our imprisonment.”

Campbell added that both she and Vaidya are now routinely subjected to online harassment. They have been advised by legal counsel to use ride-sharing services instead of public transportation due to concerns about being followed.

How the Kit Works

The kit itself is packaged in a discreet box containing plastic bags, swabs, and instructions, all labeled with QR codes. Users download the Leda Health app and are guided to record information while preserving evidence, such as torn clothing, in sealed Ziploc bags.

“The blockchain ensures accountability, as these records cannot be altered,” Vaidya explained. “Access to the data is limited to myself and potentially one other employee, and it is encrypted with strict access controls, even requiring legal authorization for access.”

“User data access is protected through rigorous authorization protocols,” Bohare added. “Even users cannot access their own data without proper authorization from Leda Health administration after it has been uploaded to the cloud.”

Advantages of Survivor-Managed Evidence

Unlike kits administered by law enforcement, survivors retain physical possession of the kit until they choose to submit it to legal representatives or authorities, mitigating the risk of it being lost within the system. Furthermore, the DIY kit, combined with the app’s records, can be utilized for alternative dispute resolution methods, such as group therapy sessions.

“Self-collected evidence is frequently admitted in U.S. courts and subject to scrutiny regarding its admissibility,” stated attorney Jiadai Lin, who serves as outside counsel to Leda Health.

Precedent for Private Rape Kits

In April 2020, rape kits from another private manufacturer were reportedly used in Monterey County, California, under a temporary protocol established in response to the pandemic.

“I believe survivors have the right to gather information about their bodies on their own terms, and entrepreneurs should be free to pursue innovation,” Lin asserted. “I consider legislative attempts to ban this product overly restrictive, which strengthens my commitment to supporting Leda Health.”

The Value of Disruptive Innovation

“Disruptive innovation in any sector is rarely welcomed initially; it often challenges established norms,” Sheth commented. “I am optimistic about products and services that prioritize user needs. I am interested in investing in progress, not maintaining the status quo. Leda Health embodies this ethos, and I hope their efforts make experiences of sexual trauma and harassment less shameful, painful, and traumatic.”

Ongoing Support and Future Plans

As Campbell and Vaidya finalize the prototype, Leda Health has already begun offering support groups for sexual assault survivors, led by licensed therapists.

“We currently have two groups running, with five more scheduled to begin in May,” Vaidya said.

Challenging the Status Quo

Regardless of one’s opinion, these entrepreneurs are undeniably challenging the existing system in a field where women, in particular, are significantly underserved by current resources.

“The cost of the current system for sexual assault victims – including under-reporting, a substantial kit processing backlog, and a general lack of support services – is substantial. Leda Health demonstrates that innovative, low-risk solutions are available,” said investor Duriya Farooqui. “Furthermore, many survivors may hesitate to report immediately because the evidence collection process can feel invasive and potentially re-traumatizing. Leda aims to provide options.”