Introduction
Thank you for considering taking part in this survey. We want to hear directly from survivors about your thoughts on a new option for collecting forensic evidence after a sexual assault.
What is the study about?
This study explores whether supported self-collection could improve access to justice for survivors of sexual assault in rural, remote, and underserved communities across Canada.
Currently, survivors who wish to preserve forensic evidence often need to travel long distances to hospitals or specialized clinics where Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs) are available. In many rural and northern communities, this may mean hours of travel (or in some cases, flying) to reach a hospital. This can be unsafe, expensive, and emotionally overwhelming in the aftermath of trauma.
Even in urban areas, trained staff may not always be available, delaying or preventing survivors from accessing timely forensic care. These systemic gaps mean that many survivors never have the option to collect evidence, which can affect both their healing process and their choices around reporting. Supported self-collection of forensic samples is being examined as one way to address these barriers.
When we use the term supported self-collection, we’re referring to a process that could look something like this: you would arrive at a trusted community-based setting (such as a Friendship Centre, community centre, women’s shelter, sexual assault service, and/or walk-in clinic) and meet with a trained staff member. Together, you would review your care and reporting options, including whether self-collection is the right option for you. If you chose to proceed, you would be offered a private space where you could change into a gown on your own. You would then have the option of having a support worker in the room with you, or just outside the room during the swabbing process. Clear instructions would be provided in multiple formats (written and video), and a trained staff member would be available to guide you through the steps if needed, while you collect the swabs yourself. The staff member would be responsible for documentation and chain-of-custody procedures. Once collection is complete, the forensic samples would be handled by the support staff according to regional protocols, which may include secure storage or transfer to police, depending on jurisdiction and your reporting choices. Before leaving, you would be offered information, resources, and referrals based on what you need after the assault (e.g. mental health resources, community supports, STI testing etc.)
This approach may increase choice for survivors, expand access in communities where formal services are limited, and reduce retraumatization that sometimes occurs in hospital or law enforcement settings.
The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of implementing supported self-collection in Canada. We want to understand whether self-collection could be safe, effective, and culturally appropriate. Your input will help us explore whether this option would feel supportive, what barriers might exist, and how services could be adapted to better meet survivors’ needs.
Participation is completely voluntary. You can skip any question or stop at any time. Your responses will be kept confidential and will only be used to improve survivor-centered services.
Anonymity and Confidentiality
This survey is anonymous. No identifying information such as your name or contact details will be collected.
Some demographic questions (for example, about your location, age range, or cultural/sexual identity) will be asked. These questions are not meant to identify you, but rather to help the research team understand positionality, how factors such as remoteness, service access, or lived experiences may shape whether self-collection could be useful or appropriate for you.
Any personal information you choose to share in open-text responses will be kept strictly confidential. No information that could identify you will be released, published, or included in reports.
Voluntary Participation and Right to Withdraw
Participation is entirely voluntary. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer.
Consent is an ongoing process. If at any time you decide to withdraw, you can simply exit the survey. If you do not complete the survey, your responses will not be saved or used in the study.
Risks and Benefits
There are no known risks to participating in this survey. While you may not benefit directly, your input may contribute to improving survivor-centered services and advancing options for forensic evidence collection in rural and remote communities.
Eligibility
- You must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
- You must live in Canada
How will results be shared?
Findings from this survey will be combined with other parts of the research (including interviews, focus groups, and consultations with partners and stakeholders). Taken together, these results will inform recommendations about the feasibility of supported self-collection in Canada.
The published findings of the overall research will be shared in the following ways:
- A digital report published on the She Matters website (open access).
- A She Matters podcast episode, featuring anonymized insights and, with consent, select testimonials from survivors and stakeholders.
- A report submitted to Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada, the project funder.
- Distribution to key healthcare and sexual assault response partners, such as provincial Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre Coordinators (Ontario), Women’s College Hospital, and comparable coordinating bodies across Canada.
- Briefing packages for policymakers, including Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Provincial/Territorial Legislatures (MLAs/MPPs), the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Indigenous Services.
- Presentations and webinars with community organizations, frontline workers, and survivor advocates to ensure the results are accessible and actionable.
- Community feedback sessions (virtual or in-person) with participating Indigenous Nations, service providers, and local partners, in alignment with principles of Indigenous data sovereignty and community consent.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions about this study or need more information before deciding whether to participate, please contact:
Principal Researcher: victoria@shematters.ca
Research Coordinator: jacqueline@shematters.ca
Please note: by contacting us directly, the email address you use, will be visible and you will no longer be anonymous to the research team. However, your identity will never be linked to any of your survey responses, which remain anonymous.
Consent Statement
By clicking “I agree” below and beginning the survey, you confirm that you:
Thank you for considering taking part in this survey. We want to hear directly from survivors about your thoughts on a new option for collecting forensic evidence after a sexual assault.
What is the study about?
This study explores whether supported self-collection could improve access to justice for survivors of sexual assault in rural, remote, and underserved communities across Canada.
Currently, survivors who wish to preserve forensic evidence often need to travel long distances to hospitals or specialized clinics where Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs) are available. In many rural and northern communities, this may mean hours of travel (or in some cases, flying) to reach a hospital. This can be unsafe, expensive, and emotionally overwhelming in the aftermath of trauma.
Even in urban areas, trained staff may not always be available, delaying or preventing survivors from accessing timely forensic care. These systemic gaps mean that many survivors never have the option to collect evidence, which can affect both their healing process and their choices around reporting. Supported self-collection of forensic samples is being examined as one way to address these barriers.
When we use the term supported self-collection, we’re referring to a process that could look something like this: you would arrive at a trusted community-based setting (such as a Friendship Centre, community centre, women’s shelter, sexual assault service, and/or walk-in clinic) and meet with a trained staff member. Together, you would review your care and reporting options, including whether self-collection is the right option for you. If you chose to proceed, you would be offered a private space where you could change into a gown on your own. You would then have the option of having a support worker in the room with you, or just outside the room during the swabbing process. Clear instructions would be provided in multiple formats (written and video), and a trained staff member would be available to guide you through the steps if needed, while you collect the swabs yourself. The staff member would be responsible for documentation and chain-of-custody procedures. Once collection is complete, the forensic samples would be handled by the support staff according to regional protocols, which may include secure storage or transfer to police, depending on jurisdiction and your reporting choices. Before leaving, you would be offered information, resources, and referrals based on what you need after the assault (e.g. mental health resources, community supports, STI testing etc.)
This approach may increase choice for survivors, expand access in communities where formal services are limited, and reduce retraumatization that sometimes occurs in hospital or law enforcement settings.
The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of implementing supported self-collection in Canada. We want to understand whether self-collection could be safe, effective, and culturally appropriate. Your input will help us explore whether this option would feel supportive, what barriers might exist, and how services could be adapted to better meet survivors’ needs.
Participation is completely voluntary. You can skip any question or stop at any time. Your responses will be kept confidential and will only be used to improve survivor-centered services.
Anonymity and Confidentiality
This survey is anonymous. No identifying information such as your name or contact details will be collected.
Some demographic questions (for example, about your location, age range, or cultural/sexual identity) will be asked. These questions are not meant to identify you, but rather to help the research team understand positionality, how factors such as remoteness, service access, or lived experiences may shape whether self-collection could be useful or appropriate for you.
Any personal information you choose to share in open-text responses will be kept strictly confidential. No information that could identify you will be released, published, or included in reports.
Voluntary Participation and Right to Withdraw
Participation is entirely voluntary. You may skip any question you do not wish to answer.
Consent is an ongoing process. If at any time you decide to withdraw, you can simply exit the survey. If you do not complete the survey, your responses will not be saved or used in the study.
Risks and Benefits
There are no known risks to participating in this survey. While you may not benefit directly, your input may contribute to improving survivor-centered services and advancing options for forensic evidence collection in rural and remote communities.
Eligibility
- You must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
- You must live in Canada
How will results be shared?
Findings from this survey will be combined with other parts of the research (including interviews, focus groups, and consultations with partners and stakeholders). Taken together, these results will inform recommendations about the feasibility of supported self-collection in Canada.
The published findings of the overall research will be shared in the following ways:
- A digital report published on the She Matters website (open access).
- A She Matters podcast episode, featuring anonymized insights and, with consent, select testimonials from survivors and stakeholders.
- A report submitted to Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada, the project funder.
- Distribution to key healthcare and sexual assault response partners, such as provincial Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre Coordinators (Ontario), Women’s College Hospital, and comparable coordinating bodies across Canada.
- Briefing packages for policymakers, including Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Provincial/Territorial Legislatures (MLAs/MPPs), the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Indigenous Services.
- Presentations and webinars with community organizations, frontline workers, and survivor advocates to ensure the results are accessible and actionable.
- Community feedback sessions (virtual or in-person) with participating Indigenous Nations, service providers, and local partners, in alignment with principles of Indigenous data sovereignty and community consent.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions about this study or need more information before deciding whether to participate, please contact:
Principal Researcher: victoria@shematters.ca
Research Coordinator: jacqueline@shematters.ca
Please note: by contacting us directly, the email address you use, will be visible and you will no longer be anonymous to the research team. However, your identity will never be linked to any of your survey responses, which remain anonymous.
Consent Statement
By clicking “I agree” below and beginning the survey, you confirm that you:
1. Have read and understood the information above,
2. Understand that participation is voluntary and anonymous, and
3. Consent to participate in this study.
2. Understand that participation is voluntary and anonymous, and
3. Consent to participate in this study.