University of Manchester event backs new support for assault survivors

‘Enough’, which was founded in response to calls from survivors for more practical support, especially for those who do not feel able to report their assault to the police, held a pop-up event outside the University of Manchester on Tuesday (May 5).

Survivors, alongside members of the university’s men’s and women’s rugby teams, handed out self-testing DNA collection kits to students and offered information about options for those who do not feel able to report rape or sexual assault.

Katie White, co-founder of Enough, said: “Many survivors feel they only have two choices: report to the police 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.”

The event was part of Enough’s UK tour, aimed at giving survivors more options and encouraging open conversations around sexual violence, particularly among young people, who are statistically at higher risk.

The kits are designed to give individuals more control over their next steps when reporting rape to the police.

The Manchester event also allowed students to speak with survivors, learn how the kits work, and find out more about available support.

James Whitlock, chairman of the men’s rugby union team at the University of Manchester for 2026-27, said: “Supporting each other goes way beyond the pitch.

“As one of the biggest male clubs at UoM, it’s vital we use our platform to drive actual change.

“We completely back the ‘enough.’ campaign and their push for radical prevention and getting these kits into students’ hands.”

A student survey conducted by Enough at a previous pop-up showed strong demand for alternative reporting options, with 64 per cent of respondents saying they would report to the organisation.

Of those, 90 per cent said they would later consider reporting to police.

Ms White said: “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.”

More information is available at myenough.com.