Nottingham university students given self-testing kits to help report sexual assault
The campaign wants to help survivors report sexual abuse
Self-swab DNA testing kits are being handed out to university students in Nottingham to raise awareness of how to report sexual abuse.
It is part of a wider UK tour by social enterprise 'Enough' aimed at giving survivors more options and encouraging open conversations around sexual violence.
How do self-swab DNA kits work?
The pop-up will be outside the Nottingham Trent University Student Union Centre on 50 Shakespeare Street from midday until 3:30pm on Tuesday 12th May 2026. The kits handed out include a swab which can be done at home and then posted to a lab.
Results take 1 working day after the lab has received a sample and will show how many different DNA profiles have been detected on the person.
Results are sent by email and half the sample is frozen before testing so that it can be passed on to police, if the survivor wants to.
Thomas Mcnab, NTU Rugby Union Club President said: ‘As a community we need to do better at not only supporting survivors themselves but supporting opening up the conversation around sexual violence.
"In doing so, we break stigmas and give confidence to those looking for somewhere to reach out. We’re here supporting ‘Enough’s’ campaign to help give victims the power to reach out confidently, through a connection with others who understand what they’re going through.
"We fully believe that getting these kits into students hands will make a significant difference, and give those who need it the support they need.’
Katie White co-founded 'Enough'. She said: “Many survivors feel they only have two choices, report to the police or to a SARC, or stay silent. For those who do not feel able to report, that can mean coping completely alone. Our aim is to provide another option.
"The kits allow people to take a step in their own time, while also connecting them with a community that understands what they are going through. We want people to feel able to speak about what has happened and know they will be heard.”
“We want to change the way people think about reporting and prevention. This is about making sure no one feels they have to deal with this on their own.”