The New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) was formerly named The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR).

Gender affirming care and forensic body fluid testing

Content/trigger warning: this page contains mentions of sexual assault.

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He aha te whāinga mō tēnei rangahau / What is the aim of the project?

Gender diverse populations (including but not limited to transgender/irawhiti, non-binary, takatāpui and MVPFAFF+ people) endure higher rates of sexual violence compared with the general population. Forensic tests in sexual assault cases were developed without considering gender diverse or intersex bodies. This study looks at whether gender-affirming care affects how body fluids are detected in forensic testing.

By taking part, you will help make sexual assault investigation processes fairer and more accurate for gender-diverse and intersex people.

PHF Science is conducting this study (approved by the Health and Disability Ethics Committee on 2 February 2026–2026 EXP 24711) in collaboration with members of the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA), providers of transgender healthcare, sexual health clinicians and transgender people.

Ka pēhea tō āwhina mai / How can you help?

Participation is completely your choice. You do not have to give us your name or discuss sexual assault. You might be able to take part if you are:

  • 18 years or older
  • Gender diverse (eg you might be trans, non-binary, takatāpui, MVPFAFF+) and/or intersex
  • Comfortable sharing some information about your body and medical history.

If you are interested, please follow this link to read the Participant Information Sheet and complete the survey. If you would also like to take part in the sampling study, there is an option to indicate this at the end of the form. Any information or samples you are willing to provide is very helpful.

If you have any questions, please contact the research team at forensic.gender@phfscience.nz or find the contact details at the end of the Participant Information Sheet.