FAO Women members

[Angel]

I had this sent to me today in work.... serious stuff, take note!!

THIS IS NOT A JOKE BUT A WARNING TO ALL WOMEN - ISSUED BY THE MET POLICE.

PLEASE READ AND TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY

Subject: Through a Rapists Eye - Metropolitan Police

Issued this newsletter October 2003 MUST BE READ

Through a Rapist's Eyes

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1)The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle. They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go after a woman With long hair. Women with short hair are not common targets.

2)The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry scissors around to cut clothing.

3)They also look for women on their mobile phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking, because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

4)The time of day men are most likely to attack and rape a woman is in the early morning, between 5 and 8:30 a.m.

5)The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second location, where they don't have to worry about getting caught

6)Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3 - 5 year sentence but rape with a weapon is 15 - 20 years.

7)If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged Because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

8)These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or

other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands.

Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

9)Several defence mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in a lift or stairwell,look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk, "I can't believe it is so cold out here, we're In for a bad winter". Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up, you lose appeal as a target.

10)If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell "Stop" or "Stay back!" Most of the rapists talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

PLEASE READ, THEN FORWARD THIS TO EVERY WOMAN YOU KNOW!

IT'S SIMPLE STUFF BUT IT COULD SAVE LIVES

[Guest spikeychris]

Treading on dangerous ground here but apart from 7 through to 10 how will the others help, IE: 1 to 7?

[-pops-]

I agree this is serious stuff but one thing should be added.

It was reported the other day that the most common "date rape drug" is alcohol.

Quite often this is self administered during girls nights out and binge drinking sessions which are becoming all too frequent.

My son, a gynaecologist, says that the number of girls coming to "morning after" and abortion clinics has risen tremendously in the last two or three years - corresponding roughly with the rise in the availability of so called alco-popswith their kiddie-like soft drink flavourings which disguise the fact that they have a considerable alcohol content.

Not all of these visits are for abortions, a large number are because of fear of pregnancy because the girls have no recollection of what they did on the night in question. This amnesia is caused by nothing more than an over indulgence in alcohol - easily tested for, or obvious from the hungover state of the girl, in the morning after clinics. No mysterious things like GHB, RoHypnol or anything similar is involved, just alcohol.

I am not suggesting that the male's role in this is entirely innocent - it takes two to make a baby and a male brain gets just as befuddled under the influence of alcohol as a female one with results that are becoming increasingly common.

[andsome]

There is also the fact to take into account, that most attacks are from people who the woman knows, and has mistakenly thought that his attentions would be welcome. If a woman takes too much notice of some of the points regarding clothing, and hairstyles etc, she could become paranoid. I cannot understand women who parade around unaccompanied in extremely provocative clothing, because that will always attract the pervert, but a woman should be able to dress smartly in clothing of her choice. I hope that this last sentence is not taken wrongly by our lady contributors, it is difficult to put into words, as the immediate reaction is likely to be, "I ought to be able to please myself". I agree with this reaction in an ideal world, but unfortunately this is NOT an ideal world, and some common sense has to be applied.

[artist]

There is also the fact to take into account, that most attacks are from people who the woman knows, and has mistakenly thought that his attentions would be welcome.  If a woman takes too much notice of some of the points regarding clothing, and hairstyles etc, she could become paranoid.  I cannot understand women who parade around unaccompanied in extremely provocative clothing, because that will always attract the pervert, but a woman should be able to dress smartly in clothing of her choice.  I hope that this last sentence is not taken wrongly by our lady contributors, it is difficult to put into words, as the immediate reaction is likely to be, "I ought to be able to please myself".  I agree with this reaction in an ideal world, but unfortunately this is NOT an ideal world, and some common sense has to be applied.

No offence taken - I go along with what you said about clothing to an extent. Women should be able to please themselves what they wear - but let's be honest, here, they know that men are taking notice! And to walk alone in a lonely deserted place at night in this day and age, is just plain stupid!

Sad the way things are.............. :(

[andsome]

Glad you understand what I was trying top get at, of course women should be able to please themselves, but you have to take into account the ways of the world we live in. I would not walk alone myself in a good many areas, even in daylight hours it can be intimidating.

[ByGeorge]

I go along with what you said about clothing to an extent. Women should be able to please themselves what they wear - but let's be honest, here, they know that men are taking notice!  And to walk alone in a lonely deserted place at night  in this day and age, is just plain stupid!

Sad the way things are.............. :(

It is interesting to question the reasoning behind some of the clothing worn. As a male, if I wore it, I'd be arrested. Simple fact. :shocking:

However, it is a fact that the clothes are worn for the precise purpose of attracting attention. The viewers are not selective in their appreciation of the sight, however the viewed has significantly different opinions on who can and can't enjoy the view.

Too deep at this hour.

:)

[artist]

It's unrealistic for females to cover up from neck to toe - but it's a sad fact that there are a load of weirdos out there .....

In the end you just have to do want you want and take a few precautions. Even then, there are loads of instances of date rape - not just strangers.