Investigation

Anti-rape start-up’s kits endanger survivors and victims, experts warn

MPs sound alarm on self-swab kits, as new questions raised over how Bristol-based start-up Enough is failing women

By Sian Norris

Anti-rape start-up’s kits endanger survivors and victims, experts warn — Anti-rape start-up Enough has been accused of misleading the public and failing survivors with its self-swab DNA kits | Illustration by James Battershill for openDemocracy

Published: February 03, 2026, 10:23 am

When Maria* was sexually assaulted during her first year at the University of Bristol, she did not feel able to go to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre. She instead decided to use a self-swab DNA kit that Enough, a start-up company that believes its kits can help “end rape”, had been distributing at pubs and cafes around the city days earlier.

“I was in a mess, and I felt too weak to go to a SARC,” she told openDemocracy. “But I thought I would do the kit.”

A friend volunteered to post the swab to Enough’s laboratory partner, which would then analyse it to see if two sets of DNA were present. “Months went by, and I didn’t hear anything,” Maria said. “I didn’t know how long it was meant to take.”

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in this article, the following organisations can help:

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Confidential support and information to women who have survived any form of sexual violence, no matter how long ago. Also provides immediate support to friends and family on how to support female survivors of sexual violence.

Phone: 0808 802 9999 (12–2:30pm & 7–9:30pm daily). Website: Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis Scotland

Confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres.

Phone: 0808 801 03 02. Website: Rape Crisis Scotland

Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline – Northern Ireland

Free support, advice and referral for any victim or domestic and sexual abuse in Northern Ireland.

Phone: 0808 802 1414 (24/7). Website: Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline

NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centres

England & Wales: Visit the NHS website

Scotland: Visit the NHS inform website

The Survivors Trust

Support and signposting for women, men and children who are survivors of rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.

Phone: 0808 801 0818. Website: The Survivors Trust

Survivors UK

Support for men and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse via an online helpline, counselling, Independent Sexual Violence Advisers, plus group and peer support services.

Website: Survivors UK

Samaritans

For anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.

Phone: 116 123. Email: jo@samaritans.org. Website: Samaritans

Victim Support

Emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

Phone: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7). Website: Victim Support

Victim Support Scotland

Emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.

Phone: 0800 160 1985 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm). Website: Victim Support Scotland

Victim Support NI

Emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.

Phone: 028 9024 3133. Website: Victim Support NI

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