Gadgets to ward off sexual predators
PUBLISHED ONOctober 14, 2014 4:32 AM
SINGAPORE - We are all aware of the popular pepper spray and its temporary effectiveness in warding off sexual predators. But are there more products out there for women?
Innovative gadgets and products that have surfaced on the Internet show that technology may be the answer in protecting women from rape and unwanted sexual advances from men.
The items are mostly wearable and some can even be part of your everyday outfit.
Here are some things that could be on the market soon, according to a My Paper report:
1. Nail polish to detect date-rape drugs
Four students from North Carolina State University have invented a nail polish, dubbed "Undercover Colors", which purportedly changes shade when exposed to date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB or Xanax. This will, in theory, prevent potential unwanted sexual encounters.
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2. Rape-resistant clothing
AR Wear, which claims to be a new rape-resistant clothing line, promises to keep women safe from sexual predators.
The company uses materials that cannot be easily cut or ripped to make the garments which, it insists, are comfortable. The garments, which include underwear, yoga pants and shorts, can be taken off by opening a "tiny lock" that only the wearer can operate.
3. Anti-pervert hairy stockings
Stockings that give women's legs a very hairy look sparked a heated discussion on Weibo, China's Twitter-like service, after their first public display. Netizens opined that the stockings will not only prevent attacks from perverts, but also stop handsome guys from approaching a girl. But some felt the stockings would probably cause nausea and physical discomfort.
4. Anti-rape underwear
A team of Indian engineering students has created a piece of anti-rape underwear, which can deliver a 3,800 kilovolt shock to a potential attacker. After disabling the assailant, the undergarment will automatically send a text message to police or family members, giving the Global Positioning System location of the attempted crime.
Besides the products listed above, here are four more items, according to media site Viralnova, that some people have invented to help prevent rape.
5. Anti-molestation jackets
Wired with electricity, this anti-molestation jacket will give men who behave inappropriately towards women a nasty jolt. It was created by India's National Institute of Fashion Technology.
6. Lingerie with electrical device attached
This weaponised nightie will shock sexual predators if they try to remove it from its wearer.
7. Female condom with teeth
This one is beyond harsh. It has "teeth" that will hook on to a man's penis. That's not all. It is not easily removed and would require a professional doctor to do it.
8. The Guardian Angel necklace/bracelet
A device designed to look like a piece of jewellery, a woman can make her phone ring or send an SOS message to a friend, just by pressing a button.
9. Blade tampon
Hidden inside this tampon is a sharp blade. Needless to say, the blade will stab the man if he tries to rape a woman.
As the saying goes, "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", it is indeed better not to touch a woman at all.
stephluo@sph.com.sg