SAFE Kit
Definition
Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence kit. The standardised collection of containers and instructions used to gather biological and trace evidence from a sexual assault patient in a clinical setting.
- Full name
- Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence kit
- Setting
- Clinical examination
- Contents
- Standardised containers and instructions
- Purpose
- Collect biological and trace evidence
Common questions
Why is the kit standardised across facilities?+
A standardised sequence and container set ensures evidence is collected, packaged, and labelled consistently regardless of which hospital or examiner performs the exam, which supports chain of custody and comparability of results across jurisdictions.
What happens to the kit after collection?+
It is sealed, logged, and transferred through a documented chain of custody to a forensic laboratory or evidence storage facility, where backlog and processing timelines vary significantly between jurisdictions.
Related terms
- Chain of Custody
- The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, transferred, and examined a piece of evidence. For digital evidence, chain of custody includes...
- Double-Swab Technique
- A collection method for dried biological stains in which a moistened swab rehydrates and lifts the stain from the surface, followed immediately...
- Kit Shelf Life
- The period during which an unused sealed SAFE kit remains usable, typically 2-5 years depending on the manufacturer and storage conditions. Expired...
- Reference Sample
- A biological sample collected from a known individual (victim, suspect, or elimination source) for comparison against scene stains. Typically a buccal swab...
- Wet Evidence Drying
- The mandatory air-drying step for any wet biological sample before sealing. Sealing wet evidence traps moisture, promotes bacterial growth, and degrades DNA....