We Are Survivors’ endorsement of the Rape Crisis England and Wales’ Position Statement on Self-Swab Rape Kits

28.08.25 | Blog

We Are Survivors agree with and fully endorse Rape Crisis England and Wales position on self-swob ‘rape kits’.

Whilst we fully understand that these kits are mainly being sold to women and girls, as a male victim/survivor organisation we recognise that the kits are purchased by men and boys, as well as by trans men and women. We must acknowledge that 1 in 4 adults that are sexually assaulted each year in the UK are men. 1

It is suggested that self-swab ‘Rape Kits’ can be used to take evidence of another person’s DNA, with the idea that this can confirm that physical/sexual activity has taken place.

However, we share the concerns of Rape Crisis that survivors are at risk of being misled to believe that DNA is the only form of evidence required to support criminal Justice proceedings. We also stand firm that the collection of forensic evidence must be undertaken by a qualified and trained medical examiner, who would ensure that any treatment of injury or infection is administered. This typically takes place through the support provided by a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

We Are Survivors also acknowledge how self-swab rape kits unfairly places the responsibility of deterrence and gathering evidence on the survivor themself.

We stand with Rape Crisis England and Wales in wholly rejecting victim blaming, and that there should never be expectation placed on survivors to deter abusers.

To read Rape Crisis England and Wales Position statement click here. For more information on We Are Survivors’ support and resources click here, to search for your nearest SARC click here, or to access the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line call 0808 500 2222.

Rory Brooke
Information and Policy Co-Ordinator

1 https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/natureofsexualassaultbyrapeorpenetrationenglandandwales