FFLM Position Statement on Self-Swabbing Kits
At Notts SVSS we are dedicated to providing support to all survivors of sexual violence aged 18 and above, whether that abuse happened recently or in the past. You do not have to report to the police to access support.
For survivors of a recent incident, Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) such as the Topaz Centre in Nottingham can provide support, medical assistance and access to a forensic medical examination (FME). An FME can include taking swabs for DNA evidence, samples – eg blood or urine, photographing and documenting injuries. This is all done with the support of trained staff, with your consent (to all or part of the examination) and at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Adult survivors can have evidence stored, which means that you can decide if and when you wish to report to the police. This enables you to access support and move at your own pace.
Issues with Self-Swabbing-Kits
We have been made aware that ‘Self-Swabbing Kits’ for sexual assaults might be made available to residents in the UK. The Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine has issued a joint position statement on self-swabbing-kits. This follows concerns raised around their availability and effectiveness raised in the USA.
The faculty do not advocate the use of self-swabbing kits because:
- They do not provide the opportunity for holistic psychosexual, medical and forensic assessment of the individual
- There is no evidence base that they are of benefit from a mental health perspective
- The samples taken may not be admissible in any court process
- They do not promote safeguarding of the vulnerable
- There is no evidence base that the availability of such kits will act as a deterrent to sexual violence
They also point out that the results from a ‘self-taken’ swab will have an impact on results from a subsequent FME and will affect any interpretation made by a forensic scientist.
The faculty statement includes reasons for the faculty’s concerns and a set of FAQs on this issue. They believe that all of this information should be made available to anyone considering ‘self-swabbing.’ You can read the full position statement from the faculty here.
Details of local SARCs
If you have experienced a recent rape or sexual assault, accessing the services of your local SARC can be a useful first step in getting support, having evidence taken and regaining control. Your local SARCs are as follows:
The Topaz Centre (for those aged 18 and above)
Website: https://www.topazcentre.org
Telephone: 0330 223 0099 (24 hours)
EMCYCSAS – East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service (for those aged 0-18)
Website: https://www.emcypsas.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 183 0023 (24 hours)
Further information on the support and reporting options open to adult survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse can be found in ‘Your Journey – Sexual Violence – A survivors guide to support and reporting.’ You can read through the guide and download it below.
