Statement on Self-Swabbing Kits
As Nottingham prepares for students coming back to its universities, we welcome the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine (FFLM) warning about self-swab ‘rape kits’. Writing to Student Union Presidents and Officers, on 10 September, they warned that these kits can unintentionally cause harm and lead to false reassurance.
Issues with Self-Swabbing Kits
The FFLM stand by their joint position statement on self-swabbing kits, first made in September 2024, which outlines key issues and answers important questions on the subject.
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 people
- There is no evidence base that the availability of such kits will act as a deterrent to sexual violence
They also highlight 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.
Our Position
We are concerned that self-swab “rape kits” are being promoted to students and young people, without an independently established evidence base, appropriate clinical oversight or the forensic safeguards required for criminal justice processes to be effective.
A swab cannot prove rape – While detected DNA may indicate the sexual contact took place, it cannot establish the absence of consent. A single swab taken in a non-forensic environment may not be admissible in a court environment and misses the wide range of other physical and forensic evidence available that could support an accusation.
There are better ways of taking and storing forensic evidence – Sexual Assault Referrals Centres (SARCS) can take and store a range of evidence (with the survivor’s consent) including swabs; blood, urine and toxicology samples; photos and other evidence; keeping it in a secure facility. This combination of evidence can be used if a survivor later decides to report to the police.
SARCs offer more than swabbing – They can offer someone to talk to and get early emotional support. They can also treat injuries and provide access to related health care, including sexual health and emergency contraception.
Survivors often need trauma-informed support – The impact of sexual violence can affect survivors in a myriad of ways, impacting relationships, their ability to work or take part in education. Access to counselling and support can change lives. Being listened to and believed is vital to helping survivors move forward after sexual violence.
There is no evidence that self-swabbing acts as a deterrent – as self-taken swabs may not be admissible in court, they are unlikely to act as a deterrent.
We believe that education around consent, healthy relationships and wider social change are more likely to turn the tide on sexual violence. In Nottingham, these measures include mandatory consent training in universities for first year students, the Safe Space Notts network, and work done in partnership with the Consent Coalition.
You can read Rape Crisis England and Wales Position Statement here.
Call to Action
Survivors of sexual violence deserve access to support and choices that meet their needs where they are. We are asking everyone to be an active upstander by doing the following three actions:
- Sharing this blog
- Saving the details of three support services to your phone
- Saving the Safe Space Pledge to your phone home-screen, so it’s there if you need it
Support for Survivors
In Nottingham/Nottinghamshire, all survivors – no matter who or where they are – can access free, quality-assured and confidential support after rape or sexual abuse. You will be listened to, supported and believed, no matter what you choose to do next.
Services for Adult Survivors
The Topaz Centre – Sexual Assault Referral Centre
Website: https://www.topazcentre.org
Telephone: 0330 223 0099 (24 hours)
Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services
Helpline and a range of counselling and therapeutic support options, with ISVA support for survivors going through the criminal justice process.
Website: https://nottssvss.org.uk/
Telephone: 0115 941 0440
The Your Journey guide can help you find out more about support and reporting options.
The national 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 222 or https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk/
Support in University
University of Nottingham – Report and Support
https://reportandsupport.nottingham.ac.uk/
Report and supporting options on a range of issues including sexual assault and sexual violence, domestic abuse, bullying and harassment.
Nottingham Trent University – Report and Support
https://reportandsupport.ntu.ac.uk/
Report and supporting options on a range of issues including sexual assault and sexual violence, bullying and harassment and hate incidents.
Children and Young People’s Services
Coral Cove (EMCYCSAS) – East Midlands Children and Young People’s Sexual Assault Service (for those aged 0-17)
They support children and young people aged 0 to 17 in the East Midlands who have experienced rape or sexual assault. It does not matter when it happened.
The service also supports young adults up to 24 with learning disabilities. They offer personalised medical and emotional support.
Imara
Imara is a Nottingham-based charity. It supports children, young people and their families affected by sexual or domestic abuse. The service is for ages 0 to 17.
They offer support across Nottinghamshire, including therapy, one-to-one support, and group sessions.
Details of other services, including 24hr services and urgent care can be found here.
If you are in immediate danger, phone 999.
