FFLM Raises Concerns about Promotion of Self-Swab ‘Rape Kits’ to University Students
On Friday, October 31st, 2025, the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (FFLM) sent a letter to the Vice Chancellors of all universities in England and Wales expressing concern about the promotion and distribution of self-swab ‘rape kits’ to students by external companies. The FFLM, a recognized forensic and healthcare authority, has not endorsed or approved these products, which are being marketed without their involvement.
According to the FFLM, these kits pose a safety risk and could potentially contaminate evidence. Additionally, they do not provide victims with access to proper medical, psychosocial, and safeguarding care. Furthermore, there is no evidence that their availability deters sexual violence. The FFLM, along with other professional and regulatory bodies, firmly opposes the use of these kits.
In a statement, Dr. Alex Gorton, the President of the FFLM, stated, “We applaud any organization 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 is urging 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. The FFLM also encourages universities to read their full letter and joint position statement, which can be found at the following links: https://tinyurl.com/367x46yf and https://tinyurl.com/4jf5xbca.
The FFLM is committed to ensuring that survivors of sexual assault receive the proper care and support they need. They remind universities that the use of self-swab ‘rape kits’ is not a substitute for professional forensic and medical care, and urge them to take the necessary steps to protect their students’ well-being.
