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Anti-rape device

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.

Designs and 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. 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.

RapeX

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 excruciating 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.

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 and in the 2007 film Teeth, directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein.

Ehler 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." This comment may have been a reference to the myth.

Criticism and response

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

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.

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."

Others fear that use of the device could possibly enrage an attacker and further jeopardize the victim. 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."

The FAQ also addresses several other common concerns, such as that rapists will feel the device ("When a rapist attacks, he loses 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.")