Over the past year, campaigns promoting so-called ‘self-swabbing kits’ have gained traction across social media and university campuses, positioning the kits as a way to ‘end rape’.

Victim Support shares concerns with the wider sexual violence sector that these ‘rape kits’ are deeply problematic and potentially harmful to victim-survivors.

It’s understandable that these kits may appear to be a good idea, especially given the difficult journey many victim-survivors face within a broken criminal justice system. However, we believe that ‘self-swabbing’ is not the answer, for several reasons:

  • Victim-survivors often tell us that non-judgemental support from others – whether friends, family, professionals, or police officers who believe them – can be crucial in helping them move forward after experiencing sexual violence.
  • Managing expectations and providing full, accurate information to victim-survivors during any type of intervention is essential for their wellbeing and ability to make informed choices. These kits cannot offer that. They may give false hope of justice by collecting evidence that is not legally admissible.
  • Shifting evidence collection to ‘self-swab’ kits overlooks the comprehensive support available at Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). SARCs do more than collect forensic evidence – they assess injuries, take blood samples, and provide holistic crisis support.
  • ‘Self-swab’ kits miss the vital trauma-informed, emotional, and practical support offered by confidential, independent services such as those provided through ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Adviser) provision.

Victim Support encourages all victim-survivors to get in touch with a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).  You can read more about SARCs on our rape and sexual assault page.

Victim Support also provides resources on sexual violence, including information about SARCs:

  • ‘Rape and sexual assault’ My Support Space guide – create a free account on the My Support Space website to access.
  • Sexual Violence (including rape and sexual assault) leaflets