A GROUP OF RAPISTS IN PRISON WAS INTERVIEWED TO KNOW WHAT THEY SEE IN A POTENTIAL VICTIM. THE FOLLOWING ARE SEVERAL INTERESTING FACTS:

 

1) The first thing they observe in a potential victim is the hairstyle. It is more possible that they attack women with a ponytail, braid or similar hairstyle that allows them to pull in an easier manner. It is also more possible for them to attack women with long hair. Women with short hair are not a common target.

2) The second thing that they usually observe is the clothes. They look for those women whose clothes can be easily taken off. They also try to look for women who are speaking on the phone or doing something else while they walk, this can indicate that they are inattentive and unarmed and that they can be easily attacked.


3) The times of day in which they mostly attack and rape women are early morning, between 5:00 and 8:30 in the morning and after 22:30 at night.

4) These men try to attack in a manner and in places from which they can quickly carry them to a different place, in which they will not have to worry of being caught. If you show any signs of fighting back they will usually give up in approximately two minutes: they believe it is not worth it and that it is just a waste of time.

5) They declare that they do not attack women that carry an umbrella or any other objects that can be used as weapons at a certain distance (they do not feel threatened by objects such as keys because the victim has to allow them to get close to be able to use them as weapons).

6) If someone were to follow you in a street, platform or garage, or if you were with someone suspicious in a lift or stairway you should look directly at them and address them with a question such as “What is the time?”. If he were a rapist he would be afraid of being later identified and he would loose interest in you as a victim. The idea is to try and convince him that it would not be worthwhile to choose you.

7) If someone surprises you and holds you, SHOUT . Most rapists said they would release a woman that is shouting or that shows no fear to fight. EASY TARGETS. If you shout, you will be able to maintain him at a certain distance and it is possible that he escapes.

8) Be always on the alert for what is happening behind you. If you were to notice anything strange behind you do not ignore it. Follow your instincts.
It is always better to discover you were wrong and just feel confused for a second. Be sure that the situation would be much worse if anyone attacks you.

9) In any situation of danger, if you have to shout out, always shout “FIRE! FIRE!” and more people will come to the rescue (onlookers). If you were to shout “Help!” most people refrain form helping because of fear.

10) Be kind enough to share this information with other women and men too: friends, wives, daughters, girlfriends... These are simple things but they can avoid traumas and even save a life.

Dermitek • c/ Iparraguirre 26. Bilbao • Juan Bautista Zabala 13. Algorta • Tel. 94.401.01.10 • e-mail: dermitek@dermitek.com