[TW: Sexual Assault] A statement on the self-swabbing kits being handed out around campus

TW: Sexual Assault

On LSE Campus on last week, representatives from a company called Enough were handing out self-swabbing kits for the purpose of collecting evidence of sexual assault. 

LSESU is not affiliated with this company and its kits in any capacity. This is because: 

• Self-swabbing kits 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. 

• We don’t actually know the details of how the data and evidence that they collect is handled, and as a Students’ Union, we adhere to strict GDPR rules and regulations to protect our members. 

The LSESU has responsibility to ensure LSE students are safe and supported to make informed choices about the options available to them. We are here to help you avoid misleading, harmful or inaccurate information and support. We encourage LSE students to engage with appropriate and specially-trained services who can fully support you. 

If you have experienced recent sexual assault and rape, LSESU recommends following LSE guidance:  

“Safety. Prioritise feeling safe. If you do not feel safe then you can contact emergency services on 999 and LSE security team on 020 7955 6555. 

Speak to a trusted person. Reach out to someone you know and trust. Rape Crisis have a 24/7 helpline available on 0808 500 2222. 

Attend the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). SARCs can offer confidential medical and practical support to anyone who has been recently raped or sexual assaulted. There are SARCs located in London and these are called The Havens. To contact them for urgent advice and appointment bookings call 020 3299 6900. This number is available 24/7.” 

Read more here: Guidance for recent sexual assault and rape - Report + Support - LSE 

For all experiences of sexual assault or harassment, these are the options of next steps that LSE and LSESU recommend: 

• Report any incident using LSE Report + Support 

• Seek guidance and information from the Independent Sexual Violence Support Service at LSE or speak to an LSE Safe Contact 

• Report an incident to the police via 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergencies. You can again seek guidance and support about reporting to the police from the Independent Sexual Violence Support Service 

• If you experience sexual assault or harassment in LSE Halls and want immediate guidance, you can contact your Subwarden who can support you to escalate your report and signpost you to support services 

LSESU is here for all our members. Your Sabbatical Officers are disclosure trained and can help signpost you to relevant support where necessary.