Sex crimes - How to prevent.

Tips for women to prevent sex crimes

Sun, Aug 29, 2010 New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR - Being old, unattractive or having your period does not deter a rapist. In fact, he could have a fetish for elderly women, said founder of the Malaysian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MVFRA) Captain K. Balasupramaniam. In other words, any woman can be a potential rape victim. This was greeted by gasps from his female audience at a three-hour "City Survival Skills" programme held at the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) auditorium yesterday. The programme, jointly organised by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Yayasan Bakti Nusa Malaysia and Persatuan Belia Rakan Nusa, was also attended by Pandan member of parliament Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat. It was an eye-opener for the women who listened with rapt attention to Balasupramaniam's case studies on violent and sexual crimes against women and useful tips and tricks on how women can safeguard themselves against potential threats and danger. "Most of the time, dangerous situations can be avoided if we understand the three types of danger zones. "For example, if you're in the office during working hours then that means you're in the green zone. "The yellow zone is when it's already 5pm and a few colleagues have left. This is when you know there is a potential threat within your parameter. "But when everyone has left the office, then you must already be in self-defence mode because this is when you're in the red zone." Balasupramaniam said women must never let down their guard even when a security guard is in the office. "Anyone can rape you as long as there is opportunity and time," he said, citing a list of case studies on women who were raped and murdered by men from various backgrounds. He shared with the audience how women could create opportunities for themselves to escape from their attackers with some self-defence tips. "If they grab you from behind, use your head and swing back into their faces to break their noses or kick them in the shin," he said. Balasupramaniam also shared with the audience how women could make their homes burglar-proof and prevent snatch thefts by using handbags that have clasps on the straps. "When the snatch thief grabs your handbag, the clasps will give way and they will be left with only the straps. "Don't get handbags with stitched straps as they won't snap and you may end up being dragged along with the bag," he said, adding that women should carry a water-based pepper spray. (source:asiaone.com_Diva_news)