Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine warns universities over student self-swab ‘rape kits’

The Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (FFLM) has written to the Vice Chancellors of all universities in England and Wales to express concern about the promotion and distribution of self-swab ‘rape kits’ to students by external companies. These products are being marketed without the involvement, endorsement, or approval of the FFLM or any recognised forensic or healthcare authority.

These kits are unsafe and risk contaminating evidence, while not providing victims access to proper medical, psychosocial, and safeguarding care. They may not produce admissible samples, offer no protection for vulnerable individuals, and there is no evidence that their availability deters sexual violence. The FFLM, alongside other professional and regulatory bodies, remains firmly opposed to their use.

Dr Alex Gorton, President of the FFLM, said:

“We applaud any organisation that is interested in reducing sexual violence and addressing its aftermath. However, companies marketing self-testing kits must ensure survivors are not misled by claims that such kits can replace professional forensic and medical care.”

The FFLM urges universities to direct students who have experienced sexual assault to Sexual Assault Referral Centres, where they can receive appropriate, expert care and forensic examination in line with national standards and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Statutory Code of Practice.

Read the full letter: https://tinyurl.com/367x46yf

Read our joint position statement: https://tinyurl.com/4jf5xbca