Xiaohongshu
If you've experienced sexual violence, you are not alone and deserve support that centres your wellbeing and safety.
In recent years, some companies have begun selling “self‑swab kits” - products marketed as a way for people to collect their own DNA evidence at home after being raped or sexually assaulted.
These kits can seem appealing, especially if you’re unsure about speaking to the police or attending a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). However, the police, forensic experts and specialist sexual violence organisations have all warned against the use of these self-swab kits. In a recent statement, the National Police Chiefs' Council have stated that self-swab kits 'place an unfair burden' on victims and survivors and 'risk both their wellbeing and the integrity of any investigation.'
Why are the police and specialist organisations are warning against self‑swab kits?
- They may not be accepted as evidence. Forensic samples need to be taken in a clean and controlled medical environment to be reliable. At-home kits can’t guarantee this, which means anything you collect might not be usable in a criminal case.
- They can't collect all the evidence that might be needed. A forensic medical examination looks at much more than DNA - it can include injury care, clothing, blood tests and other medical findings. Self‑swab kits don’t offer any of this.
- DNA rarely decides a case. Most rape and sexual assault cases focus on consent, not DNA. Even if a self-swab kit picks up someone else’s DNA, it can’t show whether what happened was non-consensual.
- They don’t provide specialist support. After an assault, having someone specially trained to support you - like staff at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre or one of our Sexual Violence Liaison Officers - can make a huge difference. A kit can’t offer emotional support or help you to explore your options.
- They can offer false hope. Some kits are marketed as if they can help you secure justice, but in reality, the evidence collected may not help in a legal case.
What are the other options?
If you’ve experienced sexual violence, you’re not alone and in-person, specialist support is available whenever you feel ready to reach out.
- Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
- SARCs offer free, specialist support to people who have been raped or sexually assaulted.
In London, The Havens run multiple SARCs, operating a 24/7 service for forensic medical examinations, immediate medical care and advice. Their specially trained, experienced professionals can also provide counselling and practical and emotional support.
Website: https://thehavens.org.uk/
Contact: 020 3299 6900 - Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs)
- Our team of SVLOs in the Students' Union can offer support if you've experienced any form of sexual violence. We're here to provide a safe, confidential space where you can talk, be heard and find out what support is available.
If you’re looking for local or specialist support, feeling unsure about what might happen if you reach out, or simply want someone to talk to - we’re here for you. Our SVLOs will listen, believe you and help you explore your options safely and at your own pace.
If you'd like to reach out, you can contact us through our online form. - Rape Crisis
- Rape Crisis supports people who have experienced any form of sexual violence or harassment.
They run a 24/7 telephone and webchat support line for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by rape, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment or any other form of sexual violence – at any point in their life.
There are also many local Rape Crisis centres that offer emotional support, counselling and advocacy.
Website: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
Support line: 0808 500 2222
Search for your local Rape Crisis centre: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/find-a-centre/ - SurvivorsUK
- SurvivorsUK support male and non-binary victims and survivors of sexual violence. They provide a webchat helpline, counselling, practical help and advocacy.
Website: https://www.survivorsuk.org/
If you've been affected by sexual violence, you deserve support that protects your wellbeing and keeps your choices open. Whatever you decide, you don’t have to navigate this alone - support is available, at your pace and on your terms.
Our SVLOs are here to answer any queries or questions you might have, so please get in touch if you need us.