Publications

Supported self-collection is grounded in published research and international precedent. The studies listed were not conducted by Fourwords; they examine self-collection in varying capacities.

Debbie Smith, Laurance Webb, Angelika Fennell, Elizabeth Nathan, Christine Bassindale, Maureen Phillips • 2014 • Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Lisa Smith, Jon Wetton, Gurdeep Lall, Heather Flowe, Mark Jobling • 2017 • Science & Justice
Lisa Smith, Wangu Kanja, Jessica Ritchie • 2020 • AWSC Third Annual International Conference on the Status of African Women
Matilda-Jane Oke • 2024 • International Journal of Legal Medicine
Ministry of Health • 2025 • NSW Health Guideline
She Matters • 2026
Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
Dr. Kim Stanton • 2025 • Province of British Columbia
Dr. Roberto Leon • 2017 • This Changed My Practice (UBC CPD)
Lisa Smith, Heather Flowe, Jon Wetton, Mark Jobling • 2018 • The Conversation
The Science Show, ABC Radio National
The West Australian

Coverage

Fourwords Solutions and the paceKit in the news (web, print, and video).

Watch on YouTube
Trail sets new standard for sexual assault survivors with paceKit initiative
Self-collection rape evidence kits will be available soon in Terrace
Watch the clip
Listen to the clip

Publications

Early evidence kits in sexual assault: An observational study of spermatozoa detection in urine and other forensic specimens

Forensic science and the right to access to justice: Testing the efficacy of self-examination intimate DNA swabs to enhance victim-centred responses to sexual violence in low-resource environments

Self-examination intimate DNA swabs to enhance prosecutions of sexual violence in Kenya

Improving the forensic genital examination for trans and gender diverse sexual assault complainants: Three case reports

Early Evidence Collection — NSW Clinical Guideline

Bridging the Gap: Exploring Forensic Evidence Self-Collection for Survivors of Sexualized Violence in Rural Communities

Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation

Independent Systemic Review: The British Columbia Legal System's Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence

Indications and value of self-administered vaginal swabs for STIs and vaginitis

Innovative DNA recovery techniques could help victims catch rapists in Kenya

Self-examination swab allows DNA collection after rape

Mine rape kits to stop sexual violence

Coverage

CHEK News • Video Segment

Rossland Telegraph • Article

Haida Gwaii Observer • Article

CTV News Victoria • News Clip

CBC — All Points West • Radio Clip