It’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and a new anti-rape safety product is drawing attention for its aim to help protect women.
As the first product of its kind, VenusGuard prioritizes women’s comfort and safety, backed by thousands of efficacy tests and prototype approval from more than 500 women worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in three women—about 840 million worldwide—have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. In response, a new product, VenusGuard, is being developed with the goal of helping prevent such attacks and support survivors seeking justice.
Described as a women’s self-defense sleeve, VenusGuard is a concealed internal silicone device, used similarly to a tampon or menstrual cup, created by medical professionals to help defend against vaginal penetrative assault. The device is designed to incapacitate an attacker if penetration occurs, giving a victim time to escape, while also preserving potential DNA evidence for legal proceedings.
As the first product of its kind, VenusGuard emphasizes women’s comfort and safety, backed by thousands of efficacy tests and prototype approval from more than 500 women worldwide. According to its website, the prototype has performed strongly for its intended purpose, with creators describing it as reliable and in demand.
However, more work remains before VenusGuard can reach the public market. The product has been described as controversial by some companies and government agencies that declined partnership opportunities, which the company attributes to business concerns and lingering stigmas surrounding rape and survivorship.
To move forward, VenusGuard has outlined a two-phase fundraising plan: the first aims to establish a product line for sale through its website, while the second focuses on registration and broader distribution to bring the product into retail stores.
Products such as VenusGuard are being framed as especially important for survivors and others seeking protection, particularly as funding challenges affect some sexual assault support services. According to News 9, a report from the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault found that more than half of agencies statewide have cut at least one survivor-focused program.
Brie Franklin said services are shrinking amid funding shortfalls and delays, noting the organization’s budget has declined significantly in recent years. She emphasized that survivors need and deserve access to support.
Supporters argue products like VenusGuard could offer an added layer of protection when support systems are limited. As discussion has grown on social media, some users have also called for broader access in regions including Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, where women and girls face heightened risks of sexual violence.
