The horror is that this is not a practice of the past only. In some parts of the world, such behavior still exists and there is not enough civil power, law & enforcement, awareness, and intervention that can stop this.
The Anti-rape Device
This cruel yet efficient device that delivers no less well-deserved punishment to the perpetrator is an anti-rape condom. A solution born out of its lack thereof. This ingenious yet devious invention is by Sonette Ehlers, a woman of South Africa.
The idea and motivation to create this device came to her from her experience as a blood technician with the South African Blood Transfusion Service, during which time she got to meet many of the rape victims.
According to Ms. Ehlers, her inspiration came from a patient who expressed wishful thinking of what if she had teeth down there which might have helped prevent the situation, in suggestion with the myth of a vaginal dentata.
The Myth Becomes a Reality
Vaginal Dentata is a term used to define folk tales where a women’s genitals are said to possess internal dentures, which gives the implied caution that sexual intercourse or its attempt might result in grave injury, or castration.
These tales were used to spread a cautionary word against men to discourage rape and also used as a metaphor sometimes to describe the dangers of unknown women.
There are many different types of folk tales following the same common thread of vaginal dentures spread across regions and communities like south American culture, in Hindu scriptures, Shinto legends, Maori mythology, etc.
The Inspiration behind the Idea
Ms. Ehlers took inspiration from these stories and added her twist into them, nevertheless truly making vaginal dentata a reality than just mythical folklore.
This device was initially named RAPEX, later changed its name to Rape-aXe, a name much suited for the level of destruction it serves.
This device was initially named RAPEX, later changed its name to Rape-aXe, a name much suited for the level of destruction it serves.
The name change was brought into effect when it was found that a European warning system used to track dangerous goods in the market had a similar name RAPEX.
The Rape-aXe is made from latex material, and is in the form of a rubber sheath, just like most regular condoms. But do not let the exterior fool you into thinking that this is just another regular condom, that is unnaturally thick.
The Horrors Inside
Beneath, its smooth exterior lies several sharp shafts of barbs or thorns that are facing inwards. This device can be worn just like a female condom by women and inserted as easily as a tampon, so when an attacker attempts to rape, the phallus would enter the sheath and be trapped there.
If one tries to forcibly remove the Rape-axe, the genitalia gets snagged by the blade-like barb, which not only causes insufferable pain but also tears down the phallus for no good.
The device can only be removed safely by an approved clinician surgically, which will automatically draw the attention of hospital staff and police. Once the attacker is preoccupied to remove the death trap from the phallus, the victim gains enough time to escape safely.
Rape-aXe, like a typical condom, helps prevent pregnancy, the transmission of STI's and even HIV.
A Solution Born from Lack Thereof
On August 31st, 2005 in South Africa, Rape-aXe was introduced to the world at a place that would need this extremely as South Africa has the highest rate of rape in the entire world according to surveys.
This means one in every four men has admitted to committing rape according to a national survey. The number is so staggering and according to Ms. Ehler in her interview with Brut, an online news platform, rape is a part of the culture of the country.
Having enough of the horrendous culture where men can rape women, and women have to put up with it and be happy, Ms. Ehlers decided to come up with this protection for women.
She was also mortified during her work to try and raise awareness about the rape epidemic where women had to resort to drastic d-i-y measures to protect themselves against men.
Some even had to insert sponges with a blade inside which will splice up the phallus upon impact to protect themselves. Ms. Ehlers seeing women go to such lengths could not hold back anymore and come forth with her invention.
Critics Will Critique
There have been some criticisms against Ms. Ehlers's invention, citing reasons that it is extremely vengeful, cruel, and terrible. The Rape-aXe was planned to be distributed in pharmacies for sale which was also strictly opposed.
Some also bought up theories like the attacker could trigger and try to maybe even kill the victim.
Ehlers's response to all these hypothetical scenarios and criticisms is that there have been many women who have been killed due to rape and no one can give assurance regarding the outcome of rape so the only goal is to give time to the victim to getaway.
Written by - Sreya Sara Binoy
Edited by - Akanksha Sharma
Edited by - Akanksha Sharma
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