Feature
- Do You Hate Your Partner, Too?
- California Teen Avoids Heavy Sentencing by Passing the Buck
- Wanna Buy Your Teenager a Padded Push-Up Bra?
- Vampires in Texas!
- These Guys Are As Bad As Westboro Baptist Church
- Funny Letters Sent to Women's Magazines
- Women's Ski Jumping: Still Not a 'Real' Sport
- Will the World Be Pro-Choice Soon?
- Are We Getting Too Lazy to Even Divorce?
- Forever 21's Maternity Line: Glamorizing Teen Pregnancy?
The Rape-Axe was that ugly, barbed protective measure that women can take in order to seriously injure a man trying to violate her in the worst way. You know … a theoretical “penis fly trap.”
It’s evidently gained so much popularity in certain areas that some are considering pushing its use even further: the creator of the Rape-Axe, Dr. Sonnet Ehlers is seeking donations to distribute 30,000 Rape-Axes or more to women who will be involved with or attending the World Cup, which will be held this June in South Africa.
Rape has been a prevalent crime in South Africa for some time now and to Dr. Ehlers, it only made sense to try and avoid as many assault cases as possible, thus the intent to disperse as many as possible to the afflicted area.
The “normal” controversy surrounding the crudely-designed tool has already begun to resurface: the idea that women shouldn’t have to revert to chastity belt-like protection in order to avoid rape and the lack of testing on subjects to see what the effects would be — not that a man intent on raping a woman is worthy of that whole “benefit of the doubt” thing. Others are also concerned that women would use the Rape-Axe for revenge in say, cases where a man cheating on a woman would be “spurned” by the woman in retaliation. Some are also concerned that an attempted rape thwarted by the Rape-Axe could turn into a murder awfully quick.
So, where does this leave the possibility for donations to distribute Rape-Axes countrywide? Is it a good thing, embracing women’s protection, or is it driving us to be a more violent society?
Thoughts?
You Might Also Like ...
-
-
21
I think this actually brings up a lot of positive things. The fact that they’re even distributing these should give predatory men pause at the World Cup, and may deter them from committing crimes against women.
It could also provide a sense of empowerment to women. I don’t buy the claim that women shouldn’t have to adapt to rape culture – we discussed that in the Bikinis in Florida piece and it was generally agreed that while women shouldn’t have to, this is reality and they DO have to. Women do things to try to prevent themselves from becoming victims all the time – avoiding walking anywhere alone at night, checking their car to see if anyone is hiding, texting friends to make sure people know their whereabouts, carrying a taser, pepper spray, a rape whistle. By the logic of these people, women shouldn’t do any of these things because it’s “giving in” to the rape culture.
The idea of this being abused by women who are angry about cheating is really stupid. Could it happen? Yeah. But it’s not like the existence of this device is what’s causing it – a knife would work just as well. And the vast majority women would never resort to that kind of violence when they discover a cheating spouse anyway.
Well put and well said! And as far as the article saying these could cause the attacker to turn to murder instead, any type of fighting back against an attacker can cause them to be more agressive and lead to murder but that doesn’t mean we should fight back against an attacker.
Also, the axe leaves a very specific wound, so if the victim is killed, or the assailant runs off, it will be pretty easy for any medical professional to tell that a crime was committed.
You did not fully understand the concern about a women using a Rape-aXe for revenge. If a women kill the guy, she is in deep trouble herself now. Was her revenge worth screwing the rest of her life over ? Most probably not. Also, murder takes way more “guts” (or wrath) than injury. Cheating deserve a severe punishment, but death ?
The scary thing about the Rape-aXe is that a women could use it for revenge and most likely get away with it. If someone has a stab wound o bullet wound he is presumed by all to be a victim. Having been attacked by someone. If someone has a Rape-aXe on his penis he is presumed to be a rapist. The thought that the guy could potentially by the victim of a sick revenge not even crossing peoples mind. So there you have it. A mean to inflict horrible pain and humiliation (hospital) to a man while getting away with it.
Up until now it is not to bad (when compared to murder for example). But there is more to it. This is were things can gets REALLY evil. The device is designed to help catch rapist. When a Rape-aXe wearing man present himself at the hospital he is treated and then ARRESTED no questions asks. Only later when the guy is in jail will they attempt to find who it was that he assaulted. If no one is found it doesn’t prove him innocent. It is a well know fact that many victim of sexual assault or abuses do not report it because they are to much ashamed. There is also the possibility that the victim was murdered and hidden. Not having any victim showing up does not prove anything. The guy is screwed which ever way you look at it unless he has a very solid alibi. And still… Better have a decent lawyer.
Now once arrested, the guy will tell his story and the vengeful girl will be interrogated. She will obviously deny everything letting the guy go to jail and get treated like a rapist by society. If she is smart she could even plan things in a way and location that would leave the guy absolutely no alibi and even make him suspicious so long as she denies being with him.
There you have it. A very wicked revenge with no risk for the women. She wont screw her life over this but certainly will devastate his. Even if the girl think that having him falsely accused of rape is going to far, she will still deny it. Fearing that confirming his story would then get HER into serious trouble. Intentional crippling of penis can’t be legal. Alternatively she could simply say she just forgot to remove the device but engaging in consensual sex with her boyfriend (ex). The guy would be off the hook but with scares on his member and a very bad memory of his trip to the hospital. But the truly evil girl could easily have him sent to prison (essentially ending his life). Prison life isn’t very fun. He could easily end up a real rape victim himself for example (again and again). This revenge would be in my opinion worst than death.
Now you may argue that the police or the whole system of justice would not be so stupid. Well… I’ve personally saw “justice” do some pretty wicked thing in my life. Things you wouldn’t believe. You tell me that this whole scenario is very very unlikely and that very few women (if any) would go threw with that. You are quite right about that. But that is exactly why this would work so well. Just like you scoff at the idea pointing it as stupid, so would probably do investigators who would be arresting true rapist every other day thanks to the same device.
Imagine a real rapist who just got screwed by a Rape-aXe. He don’t want to go to jail and so he must explain why there is an anti-rape device latched on his member. The idea of a vengeful girlfriend could be a frequently used cover story (complete with the denying girlfriend). Eventually investigators would be thinking “Not that again…”. Perhaps they would even stop bothering to check with the girlfriend at some point.
But what if it did happen ? Surely if there are women who are ready to wadge their life in revenge with murder their would be women willing to use a Rape-aXe for a safe, sick and very effective revenge.
Guy: My girlfriend did this to me !
Police: Dude ! That one is old. I mean they’re all saying that. I’ll tell you what. If you tell me something I never heard before I might actually bother to look into it
Guy: But she really did ! That girl is really wicked ! Come on ! You have to believe me.
Police: That’s it man, stop blaming your girlfriend for the consequences of your crime ! Now telling me when, where and who would be really appreciated.
Now having said I’ll that I’m not to worried myself because I’m definitively not the type to give my girlfriend reasons to hate me so much. Still, I certainly would hate to be the guy in that horror scenario.
Something that do worry me personally have nothing to do with revenge. What if my girlfriend forget to remove it ? Impossible you say ? But I figures that a women would get used to it being there if she wears it everyday and all the time for years. For example, it actually feels odd when my watch his missing and not when I’m wearing it (forgetting it is there unless I actually need). But when I first started wearing it it was the opposite. This scenario is more than possible and will probably happen. Undoubtedly making the headlines when it does. How many people forgot about their phone, Ipod or watch and went swimming ? I frequently hear that story from my customers. Did you ever searched for something for a good while only to realize that it was in your hand or otherwise on you the whole time ? A customer at my store actually rolled on her newly acquired video game console. She bought many gifts for Christmas putting that one down while she dealt with the rest. Completely forgetting about it…
This scenario only take that kind of obliviousness. Oups ! Sorry dear. If only 1% of the women start wearing this (that is a very low number), that is about 1.5 millions women just in the USA. Now if only 1 women in 1 000 000 make such a mistake. I personally think it would be much more than that but let’s make this extra unlikely for the sake of the argument. So only 1 women in 1 000 000 make such a mistake and this scenario would still happen about 1 to 2 times. Again this is just in USA. This would occur about 400 times if we look at the world. If more than 1% of women use the device on a regular basis than the odds of this happening increase as well. This image does not even factor in time. Women who were oblivious enough to make the mistake once are actually likely to make the mistake again. I personally know at least 2 people who locked their keys in their car more than once (5 times for one). As year passes, new users would emerge increasing the number of incidents. Now I believe the inventor of this said that a party can often lead to rape, but a party can often lead to consensual sex as well and far more often I might add (at least in this part of the world). If alcohol can turn men into beast it can make a girl forget to remove a little something. Worst, she could have been so drunk that she remember nothing about the night. Leaving the poor guy in hot waters. Now such a mistake would be bad for the guy for obvious reasons, but this would be bad for the girl too. She would feel awful and could possibly lose her mate over this leaving her heart broken.
Am I saying “down with Rape-aXe” ? Not at all. I’m actually all for it. Especially for south Africa were apparently women are already inserting razor blade enroll in a sponge in their vagina as an anti-rape measure (a very dangerous practice for the girl). If a device like this can help bring the number of rape down then great. Why not. I also do not agree with those who say the device is cruel or “vengeful” (except when used on innocent man). I mean if a women is in her right to shoot the rapist dead in self defense I figure than the Rape-aXe is actually less violent.
Many women seem to say that the device is pointless because it do not prevent rape. Victims are still penetrated. I’m not sure I understand the problem here. Do these girl actually prefer a long lasting rape fully enjoyed by the rapist complete with danger of pregnancy and diseases (possibly being forced to cum under such circumstances as well) ? Isn’t a rape that stop at the very first thrust with no danger of anything way more preferable ? The device even inflict horrible pain to the rapist (to the victim greater enjoyment) as well as possibly a chance to escape. The argument that this is a victimization of women is also very weak. I always use a bicycle lock on my bicycle. Does this mean than I’m leaving my home assuming that I’m already a theft victim ? Maybe I should educate people so that they would stop stealing. A bicycle lock also do not prevent theft. Believe me on this. A professional bicycle thief sees a lock as a mere speed bump. Does this mean that I rather not lock my bike ? Hell no ! I actually use not 1 but 3 sophisticated types of lock. Now theft is far less evil than rape but the idea of using counter measures even if not fully effective is the same here. I know for sure that a number of theft attempt have been stopped thanks to my 3 lock combo. But I still lost 3 bikes. Still 3 is way better than 30.
I really can’t see how women could be against this. It can’t be worst than a tampon. Don’t like ? Do not wear. I get that. What I don’t get is a women actually talking an other women into not wearing one… That I don’t get.
Side Note: the device actually contains blood as well. The rapist is not actually bleeding a river or anything contrarily to what some may think. There are zero fluid exchange what so over. Unless the rapist somehow ripe the device right off. THEN he would be bleeding like hell.
So yeah, I actually think that the device is good stuff and all. I just don’t think that it is all white and sunny. Innocent men fallen victim to this device in one way or an other is a very real possibility. But the device actually have a glaring weakness. What if the rapist simply removes it before inserting ? On the official website, the inventor claims that all rapist are dumb bastard who could not be bothered to “look before they leap”. Right now, 99 % of rapist would never expect such a thing in their worst nightmare and would undoubtedly get caught. There will certainly be an number of rapist who will be caught that way. But if the device becomes common sense. If it comes to a point where the rapist himself personally know several women who use the device daily… Don’t tell me he wont scout the vagina with his finger before inserting… It is in fact common sense that criminal adapt to popular counter measures. Now even if the device is somehow incredibly hard to detect with fingers, a rapist could simply thrust in a dildo to spring traps (if any) for a subsequent “safe rape”.
This device becomes borderline useless if expected by rapist. Only extra dumb or extra imprudent rapist would get caught (or perhaps those acting due to heavy uses of drugs). “Bah ! Their is no way this bitch is wearing one of those hellish device… *thrust in* “GWARRRGHHGHG ! Damn it, I should have seen this coming”.
That down side is probably the reason why this device may not have the success that some people think it will. Oh there will be great initial results alright. But the problems begin after. For guilty men, for innocent men and even for rape victims as well.
You know what would solve the problem of an innocent man being injured by one of these during consensual sex?
Foreplay.
This wasn’t made for our (Western) society. It was made for South African society.
The women already live in a very violent culture. I don’t see how protecting themselves is going to make their society any more violent.
Exactly. South Africa is not exactly safe. If I were going to be in a country where I did not feel safe from rape, I would definitely be ok with this.
They wouldn’t even need everyone to have one to be a deterrent, just enough to make men of that inclination think twice, since they can’t tell.
Rape is a horrible, unspeakable crime and, especially in a country where it is so prevalent, whatever will DETER seems like a winning solution.
It’s not like they’re going around installing these in people. If someone thinks its a good idea, they can go right ahead. And anyone with a problem with that should re-evaluate why it would possibly concern them.
[...] Rape-Axe is creation the [...]
I am concerned about the gang rape scenario. The first attacker gets the Rape-Axe, so his accomplices not only brutalize & rape the victim, but kill her to boot.
[...] The Rape Axe Is Making A Comeback – Zelda Lily [...]
[...] Remember the “Rape-Axe”? You Should … Because It’s Back! – Zelda Lily:… [...]
There are two things that stick out about this for me.
1) While I don’t disagree with the sentiment of the device, I think the practical reality is that this is going to get women killed. Thinking from the perspective of a rapist (especially one in a country where brutalizing women is, sadly, more commonplace), I’d imagine that a women who uses one of these would end up being beaten to death. Perhaps it’d be a moral victory, but she’d still be dead.
2) Ok, I know that this is designed like a condom, so that it should protect from normal fluid exchange. That being the case, do you really want a person gushing blood in and around your vagina? Especially in a country where 20% of adults are HIV positive? In a normal sexual encounter, a condom is great for this sort of thing…however I’m guessing that in a situation where a person gets their penis barbed there is going to be a lot more bleeding and thrashing about.
I obviously don’t know the laws about self-defense in South Africa and what you can and cannot carry, but were it me I’d probably go with more traditional methods. Knives, guns, possibly mace…that sort of thing. Hell, I’m a male and I rarely go anywhere without a gun or a knife. I like positive self-defense, but I don’t know if this particular device would help or hurt women.
Is a GUN considered “positive self defense” ???
I dunno, I would consider carrying a gun to be preventative self defense (and therefore positive).
Well, I personally think this is a very good last resort defense against rape. For one thing, the Rape-aXe will only be used once the rapist has already overpowered you. You can still carry around mace, etc., but if these things fail, what do you do then? The moment of pain caused by the Rape-axe might give you just the few crucial seconds that you need to escape. Of course, it’s a different matter if it was a gang rape case, but for the most part, it should theoretically work against a single assailant. Since you believe this will lead to anything other than being beaten to death, the reality is: ANY form of resistance could get a woman potentially beaten to death! I doubt that they would want to just lie back and enjoy being raped.
Also, since it IS designed like a condom, there wont be any “gushing” of blood as explained on their website. The hooks are way too small and will only cause minimal bleeding (it wont even permanently damage your assailant) if there is blood flow, the device will protect you from it, effectively reducing your chance of contracting STDs and getting you pregnant.
Typically, the initial reaction of the man is to withdraw and probably clutch his penis in pain. If ever there IS a lot of blood involved, it would probably be from the man attempting to forcefully tear off the device.
Again, this is the exact reaction sought after by the manufacturers to help the woman have just enough time to escape and notify authorities. It’s like a kick in the balls but in a way better. While kicking someone’s testicles could possibly lead to testicular rupture and necrosis, a few shallow punctures from the Rape-Axe wont leave any lasting damage to the rapist. On the other hand, a gun has a huge possibility of getting someone killed, maybe even yourself (by accident) during the struggle.
I personally think this device is a good idea for anyone who would be willing to wear it.
Regarding the possibility of being beaten – that’s a choice a woman needs to make for herself. Some women wish to fight back, even risking death. Not all women, but some. They should be allowed to make that call if they want to, in my opinion.
Being a rape survivor myself, if I were ever in such a situation again, this time I would probably choose to fight back, because being beaten, to me, is preferable to being sexually violated again. I do not think there is any “correct” way to deal with being the victim of a sexual assault, and for some women, not fighting back is the best way to survive an attack. But for me personally, I simply couldn’t be passive again. I know we’re told to be, but I can’t. Not after the first time.
Anyone know where you can get a Rape-Axe??
I’m looking for a Rape Axe for my bank account in case I decide to marry again.