Anti-rape device

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A number of devices have been invented for the purpose of preventing or deterring rape. The first such devices were the chastity belts of the 15th century. Recent designs have been inspired as a response to very high rates of rape in places like South Africa. These have come under criticism for the ease with which they could be defeated, and for placing the responsibility of preventing rape on the victim, rather than punishing the rapist.

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[edit] Designs and production

An early prototypical anti-rape female tampon was invented in late 2000 by Jaap Haumann, a South African man, for the purpose of preventing rape.[1]

Haumann's device was designed to resemble a tampon for ease of insertion, and consisted of a hard cylindrical plastic core containing a tensioned spring blade primed to slice when pressed against by the tip of a penis. Following activation, a portion of the tip of the penis would be removed, in effect performing a minor penectomy.

More recently, an anti-rape female condom using a different design was invented by Sonette Ehlers, a South African woman also for the purpose of preventing rape. Ehler was motivated to create it while working as a blood technician with the South African Blood Transfusion Service, during which time she met and treated many rape victims.

The device, known as RapeX, is a latex sheath embedded with shafts of sharp, inward-facing barbs that would be worn by a woman in her vagina like a tampon. If an attacker were to attempt vaginal rape, their penis would enter the latex sheath and be snagged by the barbs, causing the attacker pain during withdrawal and (ideally) giving the victim time to escape. The condom would remain attached to the attacker's body when he withdrew and could only be removed surgically, which would alert hospital staff and police. This device could assist in the identification and prosecution of rapists.

Like most condoms, RapeX also usually prevents pregnancy and the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

RapeX was unveiled on August 31, 2005 in South Africa. Mass production was scheduled to begin in April 2007.[2]

[edit] Background

The concept of a vagina dentata is rooted in ancient myth, and had previously been explored in fiction, e.g. in Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson[3] and currently in the film Teeth, directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein.

Ehler mentioned that she was inspired to create Rape-aXe when a patient who had been raped stated, "If only I had teeth down there."[4] This comment may have been a reference to the myth.[5]

[edit] Criticism and response

Critics have objected to Ehlers's invention as "vengeful, horrible, and disgusting" and oppose its planned sale in drugstores.[6][7]

It is like we are going back to the days where women were forced to wear chastity belts. It is a terrifying thought that women are being made to adapt to rape by wearing these devices ... Women would have to wear this every minute of their lives on the off-chance that they would be raped.

—Lisa Vetten (Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, South Africa)

Some have also expressed concern that the device could be worn for consensual sex as part of a malicious act of revenge or cruelty. Others have argued that since the wearer of the condom exhibits no visible signals that she is using the condom, there is no visible deterrence for a prospective attacker, which adds to criticisms that the device is vindictive rather than preventive.[8][4]

This is a medieval instrument, based on male-hating notions and fundamentally misunderstands the nature of rape and violence against women in this society.

—Charlene Smith

Ehler has responded to such criticism in the FAQ section of her website, stating that, "As with everything in life there will be negative attitudes and I can't be responsible for people who refuse to educate men and feel the device is medieval," and responds by calling the RapeX "a medieval device for a medieval deed.”[4]

Others fear that use of the device could possibly enrage an attacker and further jeopardize the victim.[9] Ehler's response to this is as follows: "Sadly, many women have been killed over time, as nobody can guarantee the outcome of any rape! However, the huge plus-factor is that the discomfort and pain is such that the rapist would be disabled temporarily, giving you time to get away and get help."[4]

The FAQ also addresses several other common concerns, such as that rapists will feel the device ("When a rapist attacks, he looses control of his senses. He will become aware of the device when it is too late") and whether he will easily cut it off himself ("No. The latex cannot be cut easily, the hooks are embedded in the skin and it is extremely difficult to remove.")

[edit] References

  1. ^ Steenkamp, Willem. "'Killer tampon' to give rapists the chop", Independent Online, 2000-12-22. Retrieved on 2008-01-06. 
  2. ^ DedeCms. March 24, 2007. Anti-rape Device to Hit the Market. Retrieved on May 31, 2007.
  3. ^ Rape Trap Like Snow Crash 'Dentata'. Technovelgy.com. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.
  4. ^ a b c d Frequently Asked Questions about RAPEX. RAPEX Anti-rape condom. Retrieved on 2007-11-12.
  5. ^ Dixon, Robyn. "Controversy in South Africa over device to snare rapists", The Sydney Morning Herald, 2005-09-02. Retrieved on 2007-08-10. 
  6. ^ Clayton, Jonathan. "Anti-rape device must be banned, say women", Times Online, 2005-06-08. Retrieved on 2007-08-10. 
  7. ^ "S Africa 'rape trap' condemned", BBC, 2005-06-10. Retrieved on 2008-01-06. 
  8. ^ Shachtman, Noah (2007-04-10). Rape-Stopper's Razor-Sharp Bite. Wired.com Blog. Retrieved on 2008-01-06.
  9. ^ Neva Chonin. "Vagina Dentata", San Francisco Chronicle, 2005-06-12. Retrieved on 2007-08-10. 

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[edit] See also