NEW YORK - Two companies are under fire for offering do-it-yourself rape kits to survivors of sexual assault.

The companies say the kits are aimed at women who don't want to be examined for sexual assault, but still want to be able to collect evidence for future investigations.

They also say the kits are meant to empower sex assault survivors, not discourage them from going to police.

But several state attorneys general, including Letitia James in New York, have sent cease-and-desist letters to the companies.

They say the kits are no substitute for a professional forensic exam.

They're also concerned that evidence collected by the kits could be ruled inadmissible in court.