Self-testing ‘rape kits’ unsafe for students, universities warned

A man grabs a defensive woman, illustrating sexual assault

Zero tolerance warnings and legalistic responses won’t stem sexual assault

Victims need the certainty that worries and complaints will be listened to and that investigations will be fair-minded, says Owen Bubbers-Jones

By Owen Bubbers-Jones

29 October

A man hidden in shadows walking towards entrance of building. To illustrate that staff accused of sexual harassment are free to leave their position and gain a new job at a different institution with no obligation to disclose any allegations.

‘Missed opportunity’ as harassment disclosure drive lacks support

Calls for regulator action as no universities voluntarily sign up to scheme that aims to prevent ‘passing the perpetrator’

By Juliette Rowsell

21 August

Students in a quiet zone at university. As an illustration that students are reluctant to report harassment.

University harassment responses ‘putting students off reporting’

Women’s negative experiences of reporting reflective of wider barriers, with problems likely to be exacerbated by funding crisis

By Juliette Rowsell

29 September

Universities pay thousands in compensation to harassment victims

OIA says sexual misconduct investigations too often marred by delays and poor communication

By Chris Havergal

13 February

Reader's comments (1)

#1 Submitted by m.... on November 3, 2025 - 10:51am

Good advice: universities MUST leave the investigation of sexual assaults to the proper agencies and not meddle in areas where they are not qualified or do not have appropriate responsibility.

Self-testing ‘rape kits’ unsafe for students, universities warned

Distributing swabs to test for DNA after a sexual assault risks jeopardising criminal investigations, says watchdog

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Zero tolerance warnings and legalistic responses won’t stem sexual assault

‘Missed opportunity’ as harassment disclosure drive lacks support

University harassment responses ‘putting students off reporting’

Universities pay thousands in compensation to harassment victims

Reader's comments (1)

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Self-testing ‘rape kits’ unsafe for students, universities warned

Distributing swabs to test for DNA after a sexual assault risks jeopardising criminal investigations, says watchdog

Register to continue

Subscribe

Related articles

Zero tolerance warnings and legalistic responses won’t stem sexual assault

‘Missed opportunity’ as harassment disclosure drive lacks support

University harassment responses ‘putting students off reporting’

Universities pay thousands in compensation to harassment victims

Reader's comments (1)

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