Innovative Inventions: Empowering Women’s Safety Against Sexual Violence
Innovative Inventions: Empowering Women’s Safety Against Sexual Violence
There are numerous tips for women on how to avoid becoming victims of sexual violence, ranging from advice on where and when not to go out, to specific self-defense techniques. Recently, we discussed a German designer who mass-produced shorts designed to protect against assaults. Given the high demand for such products, it’s clear that women seek effective protective measures. While this isn’t the only invention of its kind, an optimal solution that is convenient, effective, and accessible to consumers is yet to be found. Here, we present several innovative devices aimed at protecting women from sexual violence. Compared to some of these, pepper spray or a stun gun might seem like mere toys.
The Belt Buckle
Nadya Bjork invented a belt buckle with an internal puzzle. To open it, one must navigate a labyrinth within the buckle. According to the 40-year-old inventor, a potential assailant is unlikely to bother with such complexity. However, this device is only effective if paired with a sufficiently strong belt. Additionally, it requires considerable time to remove, which could be a drawback.
The Condom Trap
Dr. Sonnet Ehlers from South Africa created this device. A special condom is inserted into the vagina and held in place by an elastic ring that tightly grips the vaginal entrance. Inside the condom are sharp teeth. When penetration occurs, the teeth disengage and embed themselves into the male organ as it advances. The assailant, in panic, withdraws along with the condom, which can then only be removed by a skilled doctor. Given the high rate of rapes in South Africa, such a drastic measure from women is understandable. However, this device has proven impractical. Not only would no one want to wear such a trap daily, but it can also be easily detected and removed by fingers.
The Injector
Ira Sherman is well-known in the West for her inventions aimed at preventing rapes, though they resemble torture devices or art pieces more than practical tools. The injector, for instance, consists of two pneumatic devices mounted on a metal frame attached to the body. It injects a sedative and tattoo ink into the attacker’s body, making the assailant easily identifiable later. This is one of several ‘Impenetrable Devices’ by Sherman, inspired by interviews with rape victims who struggled to regain a sense of physical security.
The Alarm Bracelet
Perhaps the simplest invention is a bracelet that, when pressed, sends a fake call to your phone. This can help deter an insistent conversationalist. For more serious situations, holding the button for three seconds sends a help message and your coordinates to a predefined number. This device is useful only if the predefined contact is nearby and ready to assist immediately.
The Tampon with a Knife
Another overtly sadistic device is a tampon with a built-in knife. Pressing a concealed button releases a small blade capable of seriously injuring the attacker. This invention also hails from South Africa, created by an elderly man named Jaap Haumann. Note that in Russia, using such a device could lead to legal consequences for excessive self-defense.
Super-Strong Underwear
Compared to the aforementioned inventions, the much-talked-about German ‘safety shorts’ seem less absurd. These garments are designed to be comfortable and could genuinely help buy time during an attack or even deter an assailant. Previously, a line of super-strong women’s underwear was released, funded through the creative project financing site Indiegogo.
The issue of women’s safety remains unresolved worldwide, indicating that designers and inventors still have work to do on ‘panic buttons’ and clothing that only the wearer can remove.
For more information on self-defense tips, you can visit this resource.
