Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has issued letters to community partners that provide services to sexual assault survivors on self-administered sexual assault evidence collection kits ("Collection Kits"), also known as "DIY rape kits." These kits have emerged in recent years as an alternative method for evidence collection after a sexual assault. These are commercial products that are unlikely to be accepted by the criminal justice system.
As noted in the Attorney General's letter, a manufacturer of these kits has been making false and misleading statements about their products availability and usage in Maryland by misrepresenting newly passed legislation addressing sexual assault evidence kit storage and preservation. While this legislation does direct the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee to issue recommendations on these self-administered kits to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2023, it does not authorize their sale or distribution in Maryland or guarantee their admissibility in a court of law.
MCASA praises the Attorney General's efforts to ensure that the public, including sexual assault survivors, has accurate information about these kits. We look forward to further appropriate action and will continue to collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General and the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee to make recommendations for educating consumers.
If you, or a loved one, have been sexually assaulted you have the right to receive a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam at no cost.
Find your local SAFE Program on our website.
Find your local Rape Crisis Center on our website or call 211 to be connected with local resources.
For legal support, call the Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI): 301-565-2277, or toll-free: 877-496-SALI
