Rape
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department plans to issue public guidance on the limitations and risks of self-swab rape kits in order to ensure survivors of sexual violence are directed to Sexual Assault Referral Centres.
Answered by Jess Phillips
We recognise the devastating impact of sexual violence, which is why we are absolutely committed to tackling rape and sexual offences and achieving the best possible outcome for victims.
We are aware of self-swabbing kits being promoted and made available to victims of sexual violence. These kits are in no way associated with the Government’s VAWG mission.
The National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection has produced guidance for police forces outlining the steps officers should take when investigating a case which involves a self-swab. The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and other criminal justice agencies have also published a joint position statement on this topic, which does not advocate for the use of self-swabbing kits.
There are many types of support available for those who have been a victim of a sexual offence, this includes the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). We recommend that victims of sexual violence attend a SARC, where trained clinicians can provide holistic care and forensic evidence can be collected in accordance with established standards.
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