Misha Lobban, Contributor

RAPE IS a violent act against an individual. It is a crime that affects not only the victim, but family members, friends and the wider society.

According to Tony Gentles, security consultant at King Alarm Systems Limited, rape is a sexual expression of violence rather than a violent expression of sexuality, and it is an issue of power or control over a victim.

It is said that at least 70 per cent of rape cases in Jamaica are committed by persons known to the victim, and that most incidences of rape occur within the victim's home. Gentles notes that the first step in protecting oneself against rape is to practise security measures at home, such as keeping external doors and grills locked at all times, installing adequate outside lighting for night-time, and avoid having overgrown hedges and bushes near entrance ways or under windows.

Other safety tips

1. Checking security measures at home regularly and letting only persons closest to you know about your activities/whereabouts.

2. Avoid routines such as using the same travel route. It is also important that you identify areas of safety and potential danger along the routes that you travel daily.

3. Avoid distractions such as the use of your cellphone while walking or driving, and be observant.

4. Be aware at all times of anything unusual when travelling on the road and upon entering and leaving your home. If something feels wrong, act on it!

5. When walking on the street, stay in well-lit areas and avoid dark, lonely areas.

6. When travelling on the road, observe your surroundings and look for warning signs, for example, pedestrians or motor vehicles that may be following you. If you suspect that you are being followed, do not stop, but drive to a safe place and if you are walking, cross the street, scream or do what's necessary to attract attention.

7. Criminals look for easy targets. If you convey the image of being timid or afraid, you will appear vulnerable to an attacker.

8. Anticipate possible attacks and how to avoid them. Mental preparation will enable you to react appropriately in the event of an attack.

techniques

There are also self-defence measures that you can use to protect yourself against rape. Seido karate experts, Tony Robinson and Cheree Smith, demonstrate several self-defence techniques.

Technique #1: Elbow strike to the throat. If an attacker grabs you from behind, bring your elbow up sharply and forcefully to crush the windpipe.

Technique #2: When facing your attacker, use the web of your hand (between the thumb and the fourth finger) to forcefully strike the windpipe.

Technique #3: When facing your attacker, relax and raise your knee to forcefully hit the person in the groin.

Technique #4: If your attacker pins you to the ground or if you are facing the assailant, use the palm heel of your hand to strike the chin or nose.

The seido experts emphasise that these techniques should be used only to temporarily disarm your attacker in order to provide an opportunity for escape. Do not attempt to stay and fight your assailant!

Gentles also cautions that one should think carefully before using self-defence techniques, and one should be confident that the measure is appropriate and effective, as it could put you in danger if it fails.

Sergeant Cheree Greaves of the Constabulary Communication Network notes that the particular situation will dictate how a person reacts. For example, if the attacker is aggressive then any attempt to fight or resist could get violent and could even result in your death. It is advisable that you should not take foolish risks, that is, if your attacker has a gun, your chances of disarming him may be small.

The palm or heel of your hand can be an effective weapon.
-Photos by Misha Lobban