5 reasons we don't recommend the use of self-swap rape kits
1. The evidence might not stand up in court
Professional forensic medical examinations take place in forensically cleaned, controlled environments called SARCs or sexual assault referral centres. SARCs operate with strict rules to avoid contamination, which makes evidence more reliable.
The evidence gathered by self-swab kits might not be legally admissible, which can give survivors false hope.
2. Self-swab kits can’t collect all the evidence that might be needed
Forensic medical examinations in SARCs gather more evidence than just DNA. They can include an assessment of injuries, clothing, blood samples, and other medical findings, all of which can be crucial to any subsequent legal case.
Self-swab kits can't collect any of this evidence, which may be vital if a survivor wishes to pursue a criminal justice outcome.
3. Even if DNA evidence is gathered, it’s rarely used
The majority of perpetrators will claim that any sexual activity was consensual, which means that most sexual offence trials focus on consent. This means that most evidence is never sent off for forensic testing.
Self-swab kits may detect another person’s DNA, but this cannot prove that any activity was non-consensual.
4. Self-swab kits don’t offer specialist, in-person support
Survivors need trauma-informed support, reassurance, and to be heard and believed. A self-swab kit can’t provide emotional support or explain next steps, but a trained support worker in a Rape Crisis centre, on our 24/7 Support Line, or an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) can.
5. Self-swab kits may give survivors false hope
These kits are often marketed in ways that suggest the evidence they collect will help in a legal case — but that’s not necessarily true. This can have a huge impact on a survivor's mental health, especially if using a self-swab kit has caused them to miss the seven- or 10-day forensic window when you can attend a SARC for an examination to gather admissible DNA evidence.
We believe every survivor deserves:
- to be heard and believed.
- to be provided with clear and accurate information they can trust.
- specialist support without pressure or judgement.
- the chance to decide what’s right for them — in their own time and with the right information about their options.
- free, expert-led medical and specialist support, if they want this