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{{Short description|Device designed to prevent or deter rape}}
A number of devices have been invented for the purpose of preventing or deterring [[rape]]. The first such devices were the [[Chastity belt|chastity belts]] of the 15th century. Recent designs have been inspired as a response to very high rates of [[Crime in South Africa|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 women, rather than punishing men.
[[File:ZA200702952.jpg|thumb|patent drawing ZA200702952 "Rape Victim Protector and Rapist Identifier"]]


{{pp-semi-protected|reason=Excessive vandalism|small=yes}}
==Designs and production==
{{rape}}
An early prototypical anti-rape female tampon was [[invention|invented]] in late 2000 by [[Jaap Haumann]], a [[South Africa|South African]] [[man]], for the purpose of preventing [[rape]].<ref>{{Cite news
An '''anti-rape device''' is one of a variety of devices invented for the purpose of preventing or deterring [[rape]]. The first such devices were the [[chastity belt]]s of the 15th century. Although a number of devices have been proposed, none of them are in commercial production {{as of|2017|lc=y}}.

== Statistics ==
Some of the most well-known anti-rape devices were proposed in [[South Africa]], a country with [[Rape in South Africa|a high incidence of rape]]<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://theconversation.com/rape-in-south-africa-why-the-system-is-failing-women-54924|title = Rape in South Africa: why the system is failing women|date = February 18, 2016|website = The Conversation|access-date = March 8, 2016}}</ref> and a low rate of successful convictions.<ref>{{Cite journal|last = Langa-Mlambo|first = Lerato|date = July 22, 2012|title = Violence Against Women In South Africa|url = http://vaw.sagepub.com.libezp.lib.lsu.edu/content/18/5/580.full|journal = Obstetrics & Gynaecology Forum |volume=24 |issue=2|access-date = March 14, 2016}}</ref> South African activists argue that the legal system has not been effective in preventing or reducing rape and other violent acts against women.

According to a 2001 [[World Health Organization]] study, 20% of women worldwide had been victims of rape or attempted rape at least once in their lives.<ref>{{Cite journal|last = Fayard|first = Nicole|date = April 1, 2011|title = Moi Quand On Dit Qu'une Femme Ment, Eh Bien, Elle Ment'1: The Administration Of Rape In Twenty-First Century France And England & Wales.|journal = French Politics, Culture & Society |volume=29 |issue=1|doi =10.3167/fpcs.2011.290104}}</ref> According to figures from a 2011 report from the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]], one in five women in America are victims of [[sexual assault]]. More than 40% of these victims are children, reporting they were first raped before they were 18 years old.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/02/opinions/womens-history-month-rape-wagner/index.html|title = Congresswoman: Rape victims must finally get equal justice|last = Wagner|first = Ann|date = March 2, 2016|website = [[CNN]]|access-date = March 12, 2016}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=January 2018}}

== Types of devices ==
=== Physical deterrents ===
A number of concepts have been proposed for physical deterrents to rape, and although they attracted media attention, none of them have gone into production.

==== Jaap Haumann ====
An early prototypical anti-rape female tampon was [[invention|invented]] in late 2000 by Jaap Haumann, a [[South Africa]]n man, for the purpose of preventing [[rape]].<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Steenkamp
| last = Steenkamp
| first = Willem
| first = Willem
| title = 'Killer tampon' to give rapists the chop
| title = 'Killer tampon' to give rapists the chop
| work = Independent Online
| work = Independent Online
| accessdate = 2008-01-06
| access-date = 2008-01-06
| date = 2000-12-22
| date = 2000-12-22
| url = http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=29&art_id=ct20001222184005162_210700
| url = http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=29&art_id=ct20001222184005162_210700
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070223160944/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=29&art_id=ct20001222184005162_210700| archive-date=February 23, 2007| url-status= live}}</ref> 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]].
}}</ref>


==== Rape-aXe ====
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]].
An anti-rape female condom using a different design was invented by [[Sonette Ehlers]], a South African doctor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South African doctor invents female condoms with 'teeth' to fight rape - CNN.com |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/06/20/south.africa.female.condom/index.html |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=www.cnn.com |language=en}}</ref> Ehlers was motivated to create it while working as a blood technician with the South African Blood Transfusion Service, during which time she met many rape victims. Ehlers mentioned that she was inspired to create RAPEX (later renamed to Rape-aXe) when a patient who had been raped stated, "If only I had teeth down there,"<ref>{{Cite news|last=Dixon|first=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|date=2005-09-02|title=Controversy in South Africa over device to snare rapists|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]/[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/controversy-in-south-africa-over-device-to-snare-rapists/2005/09/01/1125302683893.html?oneclick=true|url-status=live|access-date=2007-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701072344/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/controversy-in-south-africa-over-device-to-snare-rapists/2005/09/01/1125302683893.html?oneclick=true|archive-date=1 July 2007}}</ref> suggesting the myth of the [[vagina dentata]]. Initially called RapeX, the name was changed in 2006 upon discovering that RAPEX is also an EU warning system against dangerous goods on the market.


The Rape-aXe is a [[latex]] [[Condom|sheath]] embedded with shafts of sharp, inward-facing [[wikt:barb|barb]]s that would be worn by a woman in her [[vagina]] like a [[female condom]]. If an attacker were to attempt vaginal rape, his penis would enter the latex sheath and be snagged by the barbs, causing the attacker excruciating pain during withdrawal and giving the victim time to escape. The condom would remain attached to the attacker's body when he withdrew and could only be removed [[surgery|surgically]],<ref>{{Cite news| title = It's time to fight back| work = Welcome to the official home of Rape-aXe| access-date = 2010-03-08| date = 2006| url = http://www.antirape.co.za/| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100417234614/http://www.antirape.co.za/| archive-date= 17 April 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> which would alert hospital staff and police. Like most condoms, Rape-aXe also usually prevents pregnancy and the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
More recently, an anti-rape female condom using a different design was [[invention|invented]] by Sonette Ehlers, a [[South Africa|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.


Rape-aXe was unveiled on August 31, 2005, in South Africa. There have been objections to Ehlers' invention, describing it as "vengeful, horrible, and disgusting" and its planned sale in pharmacies has been opposed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article531013.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070304085753/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article531013.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2007|title=Anti-rape device must be banned, say women|last=Clayton|first=Jonathan|date=2005-06-08|work=[[The Times]] |access-date=2007-08-10|location=London}}</ref><ref name="Wired">{{cite news| title = S Africa 'rape trap' condemned | work = BBC News| access-date = 2010-06-21| date = 2005-06-10| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4080162.stm}}</ref> Concerns were raised that use of the device could possibly enrage an attacker and further jeopardize the victim.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/06/12/PKGJNCEPT51.DTL|title=Vagina Dentata|last=Neva Chonin|date=2005-06-12|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=2007-08-10}}</ref> Ehlers responded saying that "many women have been killed over time, as nobody can guarantee the outcome of any rape" and that the pain caused from Rape-aXe will temporarily disable the attacker, giving the victim time to get away.
The device, known as [http://www.antirape.co.za/ RAPEX], is a [[latex]] [[sheath]] embedded with shafts of sharp, inward-facing [[microscope|microscopic]] [[barb]]s 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 [[surgery|surgically]], which would alert [[hospital]] staff and [[police]]. This device could assist in the identification and prosecution of rapists.


Although media coverage at the time implied that [[mass production]] was due to begin in April 2007,<ref>{{Cite news| title = Anti-rape condom unveiled | work = The Sydney Morning Herald| access-date = 2009-08-26| date = 2005-09-02| url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/antirape-condom-unveiled/2005/09/01/1125302668132.html}}</ref> the device has never been marketed to the public and it remains unclear whether the product will ever be available for purchase.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}}
Like most condoms, RAPEX also prevents pregnancy and the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.


=== Anti-date rape drug products ===
RAPEX was unveiled on [[August 31]], [[2005]] in South Africa. [[Mass production]] was scheduled to begin in April 2007.<ref>DedeCms. March 24, 2007. [http://www.sqlhelper.net/html/Technology/03/Anti_rape_Device_to_Hit_the_Market_13472.html Anti-rape Device to Hit the Market]. Retrieved on [[May 31]], [[2007]].</ref>
A startup called DrinkSavvy has raised funds for a line of straws and glassware that will change color if a drink has been altered with a [[date rape drug]], intending to release its first products in December 2013.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://healthland.time.com/2013/11/06/introducing-rape-preventing-panties-with-locks/|title=Introducing Rape-Preventing Panties (With Locks)|last=Luscombe|first=Belinda|date=November 6, 2013|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref> The cups, glasses, and straws/stirrers served at bars and restaurants would look normal but they would immediately change color to warn people when someone slips a date rape drug into their drink. {{As of|2017}}, no product had been released.


==Background==
==See also==
*[[Self-defense]]

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]]<ref>{{Cite web
| title = Rape Trap Like Snow Crash 'Dentata'
| work = Technovelgy.com
| accessdate = 2007-08-10
| url = http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=401
}}</ref> and currently in the film ''[[Teeth (film)|Teeth]]'', directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein.

Ehler mentioned that she was inspired to create RAPEX when a patient who had been raped stated, "If only I had teeth down there."<ref name="RAPEX FAQ">{{Cite web
| title = Frequently Asked Questions about RAPEX
| work = RAPEX Anti-rape condom
| accessdate = 2007-11-12
| url = http://www.rapestop.net/faq/index.asp
}}</ref> This comment may have been a reference to the myth.<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Dixon
| first = Robyn
| title = Controversy in South Africa over device to snare rapists
| work = The Sydney Morning Herald
| accessdate = 2007-08-10
| date = [[2005-09-02]]
| url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/controversy-in-south-africa-over-device-to-snare-rapists/2005/09/01/1125302683893.html?oneclick=true
}}</ref>

== Criticism and response ==

Critics have objected to Ehlers's invention as "vengeful, horrible, and disgusting" and oppose its planned sale in drugstores.<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Clayton
| first = Jonathan
| title = Anti-rape device must be banned, say women
| work = Times Online
| accessdate = 2007-08-10
| date = [[2005-06-08]]
| url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article531013.ece
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news
| title = S Africa 'rape trap' condemned
| work = BBC
| accessdate = 2008-01-06
| date = 2005-06-10
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4080162.stm
}}</ref>

{{quote|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 preventative.<ref name="Wired">{{Cite web
| last = Shachtman
| first = Noah
| title = Rape-Stopper's Razor-Sharp Bite
| work = Wired.com Blog
| accessdate = 2008-01-06
| date = 2007-04-10
| url = http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/04/rapestoppers_ra.html
}}</ref><ref name="RAPEX FAQ"/>

{{quote|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 Rape-aXe "a medieval device for a medieval deed.”<ref name="RAPEX FAQ"/>

Others fear that use of the device could possibly [[Rage (emotion)|enrage]] an attacker and further jeopardize the victim.<ref>{{Cite news
| last = Neva Chonin
| title = Vagina Dentata
| work = San Francisco Chronicle
| accessdate = 2007-08-10
| date = [[2005-06-12]]
| url = http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/06/12/PKGJNCEPT51.DTL
}}</ref>

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."<ref name="RAPEX FAQ"/>

It has been suggested that a would-be rapist would simply check with fingers first or use a [[dildo]] or other object to remove it before entering the vagina.<ref name="Wired"/>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
{{reflist}}
*[https://rape-axe.com/ Rape-aXe website]

Official website : [http://www.antirape.co.za Rape-aXe (formerly known as RapeX)]

==See also==
* [[Vagina dentata]]
* [[Self-defense#For_women|Self-defense for women]]

[[Category:Rape]]


[[Category:Rape in South Africa]]
[[de:Rapex (Kondom)]]
[[Category:Vagina]]
[[id:Kondom wanita antiperkosaan]]
[[pl:Rapex]]

Latest revision as of 03:10, 17 November 2024

patent drawing ZA200702952 "Rape Victim Protector and Rapist Identifier"

An anti-rape device is one of a variety of devices invented for the purpose of preventing or deterring rape. The first such devices were the chastity belts of the 15th century. Although a number of devices have been proposed, none of them are in commercial production as of 2017.

Statistics

Some of the most well-known anti-rape devices were proposed in South Africa, a country with a high incidence of rape[1] and a low rate of successful convictions.[2] South African activists argue that the legal system has not been effective in preventing or reducing rape and other violent acts against women.

According to a 2001 World Health Organization study, 20% of women worldwide had been victims of rape or attempted rape at least once in their lives.[3] According to figures from a 2011 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five women in America are victims of sexual assault. More than 40% of these victims are children, reporting they were first raped before they were 18 years old.[4][better source needed]

Types of devices

Physical deterrents

A number of concepts have been proposed for physical deterrents to rape, and although they attracted media attention, none of them have gone into production.

Jaap Haumann

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.[5] 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.

Rape-aXe

An anti-rape female condom using a different design was invented by Sonette Ehlers, a South African doctor.[6] Ehlers was motivated to create it while working as a blood technician with the South African Blood Transfusion Service, during which time she met many rape victims. Ehlers mentioned that she was inspired to create RAPEX (later renamed to Rape-aXe) when a patient who had been raped stated, "If only I had teeth down there,"[7] suggesting the myth of the vagina dentata. Initially called RapeX, the name was changed in 2006 upon discovering that RAPEX is also an EU warning system against dangerous goods on the market.

The Rape-aXe is a latex sheath embedded with shafts of sharp, inward-facing barbs that would be worn by a woman in her vagina like a female condom. If an attacker were to attempt vaginal rape, his penis would enter the latex sheath and be snagged by the barbs, causing the attacker excruciating pain during withdrawal and 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,[8] which would alert hospital staff and police. Like most condoms, Rape-aXe also usually prevents pregnancy and the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

Rape-aXe was unveiled on August 31, 2005, in South Africa. There have been objections to Ehlers' invention, describing it as "vengeful, horrible, and disgusting" and its planned sale in pharmacies has been opposed.[9][10] Concerns were raised that use of the device could possibly enrage an attacker and further jeopardize the victim.[11] Ehlers responded saying that "many women have been killed over time, as nobody can guarantee the outcome of any rape" and that the pain caused from Rape-aXe will temporarily disable the attacker, giving the victim time to get away.

Although media coverage at the time implied that mass production was due to begin in April 2007,[12] the device has never been marketed to the public and it remains unclear whether the product will ever be available for purchase.[citation needed]

Anti-date rape drug products

A startup called DrinkSavvy has raised funds for a line of straws and glassware that will change color if a drink has been altered with a date rape drug, intending to release its first products in December 2013.[13] The cups, glasses, and straws/stirrers served at bars and restaurants would look normal but they would immediately change color to warn people when someone slips a date rape drug into their drink. As of 2017, no product had been released.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Rape in South Africa: why the system is failing women". The Conversation. February 18, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  2. ^ Langa-Mlambo, Lerato (July 22, 2012). "Violence Against Women In South Africa". Obstetrics & Gynaecology Forum. 24 (2). Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  3. ^ Fayard, Nicole (April 1, 2011). "Moi Quand On Dit Qu'une Femme Ment, Eh Bien, Elle Ment'1: The Administration Of Rape In Twenty-First Century France And England & Wales". French Politics, Culture & Society. 29 (1). doi:10.3167/fpcs.2011.290104.
  4. ^ Wagner, Ann (March 2, 2016). "Congresswoman: Rape victims must finally get equal justice". CNN. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  5. ^ Steenkamp, Willem (2000-12-22). "'Killer tampon' to give rapists the chop". Independent Online. Archived from the original on February 23, 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-06.
  6. ^ "South African doctor invents female condoms with 'teeth' to fight rape - CNN.com". www.cnn.com. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  7. ^ Dixon, Robyn (2005-09-02). "Controversy in South Africa over device to snare rapists". The Sydney Morning Herald/Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 1 July 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  8. ^ "It's time to fight back". Welcome to the official home of Rape-aXe. 2006. Archived from the original on 17 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  9. ^ Clayton, Jonathan (2005-06-08). "Anti-rape device must be banned, say women". The Times. London. Archived from the original on March 4, 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  10. ^ "S Africa 'rape trap' condemned". BBC News. 2005-06-10. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
  11. ^ Neva Chonin (2005-06-12). "Vagina Dentata". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  12. ^ "Anti-rape condom unveiled". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2005-09-02. Retrieved 2009-08-26.
  13. ^ Luscombe, Belinda (November 6, 2013). "Introducing Rape-Preventing Panties (With Locks)". Time. Retrieved March 9, 2016.