Expanding Access to Forensic Sample Collection

Building on similar initiatives in Australia and the UK, the paceKit program intends to empower survivors of sexual assault to self-collect time-sensitive DNA evidence that might otherwise be lost. Designed as a supplementary tool to the existing system, paceKits do not replace a full forensic examination but provide an opportunity to collect evidence in a controlled environment, in instances where a full forensic exam is not possible.

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The paceKit is Supported Self- Collection

paceKits are intended for use in a designated space with the support of trained personnel. paceKits are not intended for at-home use.

While formalized self-swabbing for the purpose of forensic sample collection post sexual-assault is a relatively new practice in Canada, it is not entirely unprecedented. In clinical settings, self-swabbing has been informally used by nurses and physicians to support survivor comfort, autonomy, and trauma-informed care.

The paceKit seeks to formalize and standardize this survivor-led approach, offering a structured and accessible method for individuals to collect forensic DNA evidence outside of a typical clinical setting. By doing so, the initiative aims to reduce systemic barriers to evidence preservation and improve access to justice and care, especially in rural, remote, and underserved communities.

QMUNITY

"QMUNITY acknowledges that these kits are crucial for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as they provide a more accessible means of collecting evidence after a sexual assault, which can be particularly important for communities who have faced historical discrimination or a lack of understanding in traditional law-enforcement settings. These kits empower 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to take control of their own care and seek justice while maintaining their privacy and safety."

The paceKit Program Explained

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Forensic Sample Self-Collection Media

Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A Systemic Investigation

On November 19, 2025, the OFOVC released its report Rethinking Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence: A systemic investigation. The paceKit was included in the report: "Innovative tools offer survivors more
control. The paceKit initiative117 allows for
self-collection of DNA evidence with support
from a trained frontline worker. Survivors use
the kit to swab for DNA, submit clothing, and
document the incident on their own terms.
It provides accessibility for people who
live in rural and remote communities.
Currently piloted in BC, the program is
focused on improving access for Indigenous
communities and plans to expand."

Systemic review of the legal system’s treatment of sexual and intimate partner violence

Dr. Kim Stanton has completed a one-year independent systemic review of the legal system’s treatment of sexual violence and intimate partner violence in British Columbia, and is sharing her Final Report today.

The review included: Next Steps: Criminal Legal System, including:

4.2.4.2. FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
Lack of access to forensic evidence collection is a barrier for survivors who might want to seek justice in the criminal legal system. This need is especially acute in more remote areas of the province, where sexual health care and community supports are less accessible.382 In a recent nationwide
study, 30% of BC hospitals did not have Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs), relied on the RMCP to
bring SAEKs, or refused to disclose whether their facility had these essential forensic tools. Medical professionals, along with survivors in British Columbia, have been vocal in drawing attention to
the issues related to accessing SAEKs for at least a decade.

PACE Kits
A BC organization has recently developed a supported forensic self-collection kit for victims of sexual assault, to be used within 48 hours of an assault. The PACE kit is being piloted in two locations
in the province: Trail and Terrace.386 The kit includes forensic tools, user support, and a system for
evidence preservation following a sexual assault. Following the collection of evidence, the kits can
be securely provided to the police, who will maintain the chain of custody until a survivor decides
whether they want to initiate a criminal proceeding.

For survivors who may not otherwise have access to SAEKs, the PACE kit may provide a more accessible means of collecting evidence following the trauma of a sexual assault. In addition to improving
access for survivors who live in areas that are underserved by the health care system, these kits
may be important tools for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous survivors, or others who have faced historical discrimination or a lack of understanding in traditional health care or
criminal law settings. However, self-collection is a relatively new option, and issues may arise about
admissibility and reliability when their results are offered in court.

The government, with meaningful input from anti-violence sector organizations, particularly
Indigenous and northern community-based organizations, should evaluate the pilot programs in
Trail and Terrace to determine the efficacy of making the self-collection initiative available across
the province. The results of this evaluation should be shared with federal-provincial-territorial
partners.

Self-collection rape evidence kits will be available soon in Terrace

A Victoria woman has developed a self-collection kit for victims of sexual assault, which will soon be available at the 'Ksan Society's several locations in Terrace, B.C., free of cost.

“The paceKit offers an option to those who typically would not report their assault,” said Chloe Hunt, founder of Fourwords Solutions. “Our goal is to provide an option for evidence collection regardless of geographical location or circumstance and increase reporting particularly in rural and remote areas of the province."

Self-collection rape evidence kits will be available soon in Terrace Read more at: https://haidagwaiiobserver.com/2025/02/01/self-collection-rape-evidence-kits-will-be-available-soon-in-terrace/

“Ideally, we would like survivors of sexual assault to report to the police and take a sexual assault kit at the hospital with a qualified person, as that is the best evidence,” said Inspector Terry Gillespie, Terrace RCMP. “However, we understand that some may not be ready to come forward to the police or a doctor, and the paceKit is another option for those who want to collect and preserve evidence but aren’t ready to move forward with a report to the police.”