What is a rape kit?

What I think:

A rape kit is a tool provided to victim's of rape. They SHOULD be provided free of charge, and made readily available at hospitals and rape crisis centers. The kit helps to prove that the victim was raped by collecting evidence of the rape.

What the sources say:

"A sexual assault evidence collection kit, sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kit or Sexual Offense Evidence Collection (SOEC) kit in New York^[1] is a set of items used by medical personnel for gathering and preserving physical evidence following a sexual assault which can be used in criminal proceedings. The kit was developed by Louis R. Vitullo and was for years referred to as the Vitullo kit.

The term applies also to the collected evidence for a specific case.

In the United States, as of 2009 states will have to pay for "Jane Doe rape kits," also known as anonymous rape tests, in order to continue to receive funding under the U.S. Violence Against Women Act." - source

"A sexual assault evidence collection kit contains commonly available examination tools such as:

• Detailed instructions for the examiner
• Forms for documentation
• Tube for blood sample
• Urine sample container
• Paper bags for clothing collection
• Large sheet of paper for patient to undress over
• Cotton swabs for biological evidence collection
• Sterile water
• Sterile saline
• Glass slides
• Unwaxed dental floss
• Wooden stick for fingernail scrapings
• Envelopes or boxes for individual evidence samples
• Labels

Other items needed for a forensic/medical exam and treatment that may not be included in the rape kit are:

• Woods lamp
• Toluidine blue dye
• Drying rack for wet swabs and/or clothing
• Patient gown, cover sheet, blanket, pillow
• Needles/syringes for blood drawing
• Speculums
• Post-It Notes used to collect trace evidence
• Camera (35 mm, digital, or Polaroid), film, batteries
• Medscope and/or colposcope
• Microscope
• Surgilube
• Acetic acid diluted spray
• Medications
• Clean clothing and shower/hygiene items for the victim's use after the exam" - source

Other helpful sources:
National Protocol
New York's Health Policy on SAFE kits

What is a rape crisis center and what is it supposed to do?

What I think:

A rape crisis center is an organization for victims of rape or sexual assault to come and seek anonymous help or consultation. It should be passive in that they listen and advise the victim, but they should not push for more information or tell them what to do. They should also be a free service, and provide a comfortable environment, either in person, on the phone, or online.

What the sources say:

Rape crisis centers evolved in order to help victims of rape, sexual abuse, and other forms of sexual violence. Also referred to as Sexual Assault Centers, RCCs serve a number of purposes. Depending on the setup of an RCC, the organization will be equipped to see children, adults, or both. Most RCCs run a 24 hour, 7 day a week crisis hotline that individuals can call anonymously and free of charge. The primary goal is victim advocacy. Advocates provide emotional support and information to victims and their families during the hours, days, and weeks following an attack. RCCs also coordinate response from local agencies such as the Police or Sheriff's Department, the District Attorney's office, Child Protective Services, any local schools or hospitals involved in the incident. (source)

Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County
"The Rape Crisis Intervention Service of Carroll County (RCIS) is a Private Non-Profit Agency serving Carroll County, Maryland, since 1978. RCIS provides free counseling and support services to victims of sexual violence and their families. We also offer prevention education programs and professional training in order to eliminate sexual violence through education and advocacy." - mission statement of Rape Crisis Center's homepage