Anti-Rape Condoms (PICTURE): Will Jagged Teeth Deter World Cup Sex Assaults? Rape-aXe Hopes So

Rape-aXe condom. (antirape.co.za)

(CBS) A South African doctor has created a female condom that puts teeth in the fight against rape.

Literally.

The anti-rape condom, called "Rape-aXe," features rows of jagged hooks designed to attach to a man's penis during penetration. Once attached, the condom can only be removed by a doctor - hopefully when authorities can arrest him, Dr. Sonnet Ehlers, the condom's designer, told CNN.

"It hurts, he cannot pee and walk when it's on," she said. "If he tries to remove it, it will clasp even tighter... however, it doesn't break the skin, and there's no danger of fluid exposure."

Ehlers said she sold her house and car to launch the project, and she planned to supervise the distribution of 30,000 free devices in cities hosting the World Cup soccer matches. After the trial period, they'll be available for about $2 apiece, according to CNN.

"The mother of two daughters said she visited prisons and talked to convicted rapists to find out whether such a device would have made them rethink their actions," CNN reported. "Some said it would have."

Critics say the condom makes women vulnerable to violence from men trapped by the device.

It's also a form of "enslavement," Victoria Kajja, a fellow for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the east African country of Uganda, told CNN. "The fears surrounding the victim, the act of wearing the condom in anticipation of being assaulted all represent enslavement that no woman should be subjected to."

Kajja added that the device reminds women of their vulnerability.

"It not only presents the victim with a false sense of security, but psychological trauma," she added. "It also does not help with the psychological problems that manifest after assaults."

But she acknowledged that the device might allow justice to be served.

Rape convictions are rare in most African countries, according to CNN. Victims don't get immediate access to medical care, and DNA tests to provide evidence are too expensive.

Women take drastic measures to prevent rape in South Africa, Ehlers said. Some go so far as to insert razor blades wrapped in sponges in their private parts.

Critics have said the device is like something out of the Middle Ages.

"Yes, my device may be medieval, but it's for a medieval deed that has been around for decades," she told CNN. "I believe something's got to be done ... and this will make some men rethink before they assault a woman."

More information at the Rape-aXe website

[Ulgnud]

It's an innovative idea. I am not altogether sure it is un removable without a doctor. And a simple check with fingers will reveal it's presence. My real concern is the potential risk of being severely injured by a panicked male. Let's see how this works out.

[imxnormalxtiko]

you guys say to carry a gun or some other kind of weapon, but when you are pinned down there is nothing more you can do and this seems like a good last resort. What I think what would turn people off is the way it feels. I would think it would feel weird walking around with it, but i wouldn't know. Also its not like its a 24-hour thing. If you are not with a group of friends and are in a sketchy area, thats when you would use it.

[photomstr]

Just another stupid gimmick. I am not one to embrace rape but "look before you leap" and out it comes. The victim (woman)earning additional beating could also be more at risk from re-use and incorrect cleansing of the device. Altogether a bad idea. A device that will likely sell very well for a while but altogether a bad idea.

[ge556]

Once word gets around, I would think rapists would just feel with their fingers first.

[Scrumbugulous]

"Critics say the condom makes women vulnerable to violence from men trapped by the device."

Add a little neuro-toxin, problem solved.

Seriously, if anyone hits this trap it's their own fault.

[notablokeobviously]

i think, although this product may not be perfect, it, at least is a start into protecting women from a terrible, cruel crime, if more people looked into ideas for anti-rape devices, then perhaps some of the more at risk women, in at risk places would be safer. more should be done to help these women.

[ericmooreart]

Hmmm. Mad at your boy friend. Surprise!

Its a good idea but unfortunately I can see this being used as a weapon. Especially if this product reaches the US.

[touria55]

well the ***** is used as a weapon when someone is raped. women, children and even some men have suffered from sexual assault. I like the idea, and can't wait until it is available world wide.

[ah1556]

Hooray for this inventor !! If the man can not walk with the device attached neither can he chase her as she runs away....Bravo!!

[lynnewolfe]

it will enslave them? i think not! in places like africa and the middle east where rape is high, these would help women feel safer! the women are going to be raped and killed anyway. might as well get the sobs who are trying and not be raped.

[anahitrelles]

hopefully these degenerates won't first introduce us those huge dildos sold in sex shop before committing their vile deeds just to make sure we are not using these anti rapists condoms ...