We are aware of an organisation handing out self-swab kits for those affected by sexual assault or rape, to students in our community, and sharing information about incidents at UWE Bristol that is completely inaccurate.

We wanted you to know that we are not affiliated with this organisation, nor do we work in partnership with them. We also do not advocate the use of self-swabbing kits because:

• They do not provide the opportunity for a wide range of support (physical, emotional and practical) for the person affected
• The NHS recommend that you do not take a swab yourself as this could impact the ability to capture a DNA sample and provide the required evidence to the police
• The samples taken are also very unlikely to be admissible as evidence as part of an investigation for criminal justice purposes.

Whilst you may consider self-swabbing kits as an alternative to visiting a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), please bear in mind that these kits do not provide the appropriate level of treatment and trauma-informed support which you can receive from a SARC. You can get help from a SARC without having to talk to the police or reporting what happened to you.

We want you to feel safe and supported to make informed choices about the options available to you, and to help you avoid misleading, harmful or inaccurate information. We want to make sure you receive the best possible care and advice, so please only engage with appropriate and specially-trained services who can fully support you.

Our Anti-Sexual Violence Service provides a non-judgemental, inclusive and confidential safe space for you to seek support if you have experienced sexual trauma of any kind, even if you don’t want to report something. If you want to report anonymously you can do so via Report and Support, or with the police.

You can also contact your nearest NHS sexual assault referral centre for free, specialist care and support in a safe space. The Bridge is your nearest centre in Bristol.

- The Student Communications Team and The Students' Union at UWE Bristol