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From: n9020351@unicorn.cc.wwu.edu (James D. Del Vecchio)
Newsgroups: soc.feminism
Subject: Re: Rape on bicycle path
Message-ID: <1991Jun6.032952.23195@unicorn.cc.wwu.edu>
Date: 6 Jun 91 18:51:14 GMT
References: <1991May21.174604.526@everexn.com> <1991May28.182039.20602@cbfsb.att.com> <1991May30.011256.8340@neon.Stanford.EDU> <1991May30.182314.7791@cbfsb.att.com>
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[This has wandered in as a cross post between rec.guns and talk.rape.
It may be of interest.  --CTM]

osan@cbnewsb.cb.att.com (andrew.vida-szucs) writes:

Re:
Andy Freeman on the uselessness of CS mace and air horns against grown men.

>	Generally, I give them no choice but to cooperate.  BTW I got
>	blasted with one of those 'made to sell, not to be effective; devices
>	about 2 weeks ago.  It was nowhere near my ears and still I thought
>	I would shit.  I found it painful.  I don't think too many muggers
>	would not be at least momentarily stunned by a shot 6 inches from their
>	ear.  In that moment you run, stab the bastard, shoot him, take his
>	eyes or whatever.  All you need is that momentary lapse in his
>	concentration and the wherewithall to take proper advantage of it.

  The "anti-rape" techniques I've seen in some self protection books
are foolish and useless.  Noteable among these are the "eye myth" and
the "go for the crotch" myth.  As these are the most basic ideas, and
the first to occur to anyone, they are what the Rapist would never let
happen.  He will be on his gaurd for such attempts, and will disarm
them without a thought.  Also high on the stupid list, are plans to
defend oneself by stabbing with a hatpin, sharp umbrella or knife.
Even with a knife, it takes much skill to use effectively.  Knives
wounds are not stopping wounds, they are slow wounds.  A perp with a
lethal knife wound will linger for minuntes or hours, still able
continue his attack.
  The Rapist/mugger is likely a street fighter, and innured to pain.
Such a person is not likely to be disauded by the same things that
would stop you.  A man who has been through perhaps many severe
beatings is not going to be afraid of honking horns and sprays.
Dedicated criminals have bought their own mace and "stun shockers"
etc. to use on themselves and acclimate themselves to them.
  Also foolish is the idea that lessons in Judo, boxing, Karate etc.
will make a small woman a match for a large determined man.  It just
isn't so.

  Ironicly, the book I just saw yesterday reccomended that women _not_
carry the one self defense tool that has any chance of making a small
weak woman safe from an attacker: The handgun.

Go figure.

Jim Del Vecchio