Students offered free rape test kits

Bristol University in the UK has piloted an initiative were students can now access free rape test kits aimed at combating sexual violence on campuses. The kit, similar to the COVID testing kits, allows alleged victims to collect DNA samples at home and send them to a lab, where half the genetic material is tested and half is preserved by freezing should they choose to report the incident later.

The founders hope that it will prevent non-consensual sex, as potential offenders will know that their DNA will be on file .

During a pilot at the University of Bristol, 8,000 students received kits, and 200 reported assaults—significantly more than previous years. The program aims to provide social justice rather than replace criminal reporting, as many victims hesitate to come forward due to low conviction rates and fear of disbelief from peers. Katie White, co-founder of not-for-profit organisation Enough, said: “A lot of people see it as like the breathalyser. The existence of it prevents what it is designed to measure.”