Some people may perhaps still believe that rape often times involve some perverted stranger jumping out from behind bushes late at night.
The figures below should indeed points to the undisputible, statistical facts that the assault rape by some "lurking weirdo" is not as prevalent as one might be led to believe by watching the news.
Of course, assault rape by total strangers do happen ... in fact you may read about hundreds upon hundreds of such cases in my e-book series: Women Can. And these are only cases where women fought back successfully.
Still, most rapes and attempted rapes are done by someone the victim knows, like a neighbour. And even though the below story is from India, it is really universal in nature.
Story:
India -- Figures collected from different police stations in Surat show that neighbours were involved in 23 out of the 45 rape or rape attempt cases registered during 2007. Girls aged between three and 15 were victims in 18 of the cases.
Neighbours were followed by other close acquaintances such as friends, who were involved in six cases. In three cases, rickshaw drivers were found to be involved, while the crime was committed in one case each by a tenant and a landlord.
Lover and to-be husband were found involved in two rape cases, while the father of a victim was the guilty in one case. The accused in four of the cases have not been identified so far, the police records show.
A police spokesman said that such cases are taking place not only in Surat, but are a common occurrence all over the country. He further said in many cases victim's neighbours or other acquaintances were involved as victims are in regular contact with them.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
More school violence
Here are three individual cases, each pointing to the huge - and vastly un- or under reported - problem of violence towards teachers.
One of the reports says: "Teachers and campus officials probably shun police reports and prosecution because they don't want to hurt the child or taint the school."
January 25, thedailyitemoflynn.com reported from Lynn, Massachusetts about a high school disciplinary meeting which turned violent.
The 20-year-old sister of a suspended student physically assaulted two teachers and threatened several others, according to the report.
January 28, dailytribune.com had a story from Oak Park, Michigan about a 17-year-old high school student being charged as an adult.
The teenager was reportedly accused of assaulting a female teacher, and the teacher says violence and threats at the school are increasing.
Then on January 29, ajc.com had an article about a female teacher from Lilburn, Georgia.
The experienced teacher was blindsided by a 12-year-old middle school student. "It was a beatdown", the newspaper says.
One of the reports says: "Teachers and campus officials probably shun police reports and prosecution because they don't want to hurt the child or taint the school."
January 25, thedailyitemoflynn.com reported from Lynn, Massachusetts about a high school disciplinary meeting which turned violent.
The 20-year-old sister of a suspended student physically assaulted two teachers and threatened several others, according to the report.
January 28, dailytribune.com had a story from Oak Park, Michigan about a 17-year-old high school student being charged as an adult.
The teenager was reportedly accused of assaulting a female teacher, and the teacher says violence and threats at the school are increasing.
Then on January 29, ajc.com had an article about a female teacher from Lilburn, Georgia.
The experienced teacher was blindsided by a 12-year-old middle school student. "It was a beatdown", the newspaper says.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Lame excuses #4
As you may have noticed, we have this kind of ongoing series, called: "It wasn't me - it was Mr Pee" - highlighting all the stupid excuses that people can use when caught red handed.
And today we will turn our attention to a brain-dead thief who used not just one, but two instances of "what, who, me?"
Anyone with nick names such as "Double D" and "D Rock" - who also actually attempts lame excuses like these -obviously needs more than just a bit of mental pimping to get the IQ level above the zero point...
Story:
Florida -- A theft suspect locked in the back of a patrol car in Despin kicked out the window, claiming he was claustrophobic, according to nwfdailynews.com.
The 21-year-old man allegedly also said a woman's purse accidentally wound up in his hands.
Two store patrons said they had stopped the man as he tried to leave with the purse. They said the man had picked it up off the floor, tucked it under his shirt and made for the exit.
The suspect, also known as "Double D" and "D Rock," said the alleged theft was unintentional. And here comes the best part. A deputy wrote in his report: "He explained that the strap of the purse fell onto his foot and when he turned around, it went with him. The next thing he knew, the purse was in his hands and he was being approached by two men who took the purse from him."
Double doze of duh delirium :-)
And today we will turn our attention to a brain-dead thief who used not just one, but two instances of "what, who, me?"
Anyone with nick names such as "Double D" and "D Rock" - who also actually attempts lame excuses like these -obviously needs more than just a bit of mental pimping to get the IQ level above the zero point...
Story:
Florida -- A theft suspect locked in the back of a patrol car in Despin kicked out the window, claiming he was claustrophobic, according to nwfdailynews.com.
The 21-year-old man allegedly also said a woman's purse accidentally wound up in his hands.
Two store patrons said they had stopped the man as he tried to leave with the purse. They said the man had picked it up off the floor, tucked it under his shirt and made for the exit.
The suspect, also known as "Double D" and "D Rock," said the alleged theft was unintentional. And here comes the best part. A deputy wrote in his report: "He explained that the strap of the purse fell onto his foot and when he turned around, it went with him. The next thing he knew, the purse was in his hands and he was being approached by two men who took the purse from him."
Double doze of duh delirium :-)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Your typical bouncer?
Probably far from it - this guy seems to be one really mean and depraved individual.
According to guardian.co.uk, the 39-year-old is on trial, accused of murdering two women (19 and 22 years old). Both reportedly died after being struck with a blunt instrument. The man is also on trial for two attempted murders and one count of kidnap and false imprisonment.
According to the paper he has previous court appearances dating back to when he was 13. He had admitted offences ranging from vehicle theft, having an offensive weapon to assaulting a police officer.
He was jailed for a total of 13 months in 1991 for hitting a constable in the face, common assault on a special constable and failing to surrender.
In February 2005, he was jailed for eight months and banned from driving for seven years for dangerous driving after being stopped on a motorway hard shoulder at 70mph.
And this guy was working as a bouncer (doorman)...
Now, you may all say that most bouncers are not like this person here, and fortunately you're right. However, and this is my point, there are too many in that line of work who pose a real danger to those around them.
How do I know - I used to work the doors myself. It used to be worse, but there are still too many young guys out there with far too much testosterone, short fuses, little or no empathy, steroids, drug abuse, criminal connections and what have you not.
Norwegian psychologist Per Isdal describes in his book "Meningen Med Volden" ("The Purpose of Violence" - unfortunately available in Norwegian only as far as I know) amongst other things how one bouncer used his work to set people up for violence. A scary read; even more so if you knew that there are more guys like this out there.
One small piece of advice: Do not talk back at bouncers - it really does you no good at all. What it potentially can do is get you and others hurt.
And by all means - let us not forget that most of these folks are nice, hard working, under-paid and under a lot of stress. Be nice, boys and girls :-)
According to guardian.co.uk, the 39-year-old is on trial, accused of murdering two women (19 and 22 years old). Both reportedly died after being struck with a blunt instrument. The man is also on trial for two attempted murders and one count of kidnap and false imprisonment.
According to the paper he has previous court appearances dating back to when he was 13. He had admitted offences ranging from vehicle theft, having an offensive weapon to assaulting a police officer.
He was jailed for a total of 13 months in 1991 for hitting a constable in the face, common assault on a special constable and failing to surrender.
In February 2005, he was jailed for eight months and banned from driving for seven years for dangerous driving after being stopped on a motorway hard shoulder at 70mph.
And this guy was working as a bouncer (doorman)...
Now, you may all say that most bouncers are not like this person here, and fortunately you're right. However, and this is my point, there are too many in that line of work who pose a real danger to those around them.
How do I know - I used to work the doors myself. It used to be worse, but there are still too many young guys out there with far too much testosterone, short fuses, little or no empathy, steroids, drug abuse, criminal connections and what have you not.
Norwegian psychologist Per Isdal describes in his book "Meningen Med Volden" ("The Purpose of Violence" - unfortunately available in Norwegian only as far as I know) amongst other things how one bouncer used his work to set people up for violence. A scary read; even more so if you knew that there are more guys like this out there.
One small piece of advice: Do not talk back at bouncers - it really does you no good at all. What it potentially can do is get you and others hurt.
And by all means - let us not forget that most of these folks are nice, hard working, under-paid and under a lot of stress. Be nice, boys and girls :-)
Saturday, January 19, 2008
A secret password
Minnesota -- Two young Rochester students (first and second grade) said a man approached them Wednesday afternoon as they were walking to their day care after school according to kttc.com.
The unknown man reportedly told Isabel and her friend that they were supposed to go home with him. The two young girls ran away and made it home safely.
The youngest girl's mom says a code word may actually have saved the girls' lives. When the man told the girls they were supposed to go home with him, the second grader asked 'what's my password?' when he provided the wrong answer she started screaming and they ran away.
The girl and her mom picked out the code word just in case someone other than she had to pick her up.
The unknown man reportedly told Isabel and her friend that they were supposed to go home with him. The two young girls ran away and made it home safely.
The youngest girl's mom says a code word may actually have saved the girls' lives. When the man told the girls they were supposed to go home with him, the second grader asked 'what's my password?' when he provided the wrong answer she started screaming and they ran away.
The girl and her mom picked out the code word just in case someone other than she had to pick her up.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Classic cases of distraction
In Iowa City (Iowa), police are searching for a predator (or perhaps more than one person), according to gazetteonline.com. Police say young women have been targeted in downtown neighborhoods for months.
There are reportedly more than 31 reported incidents over a period of 12 months. The cases have similarities in more ways than the description of the perpetrator - a college age, white male of average weight an height.
Victims are often distracted, talking on cellular phones or fumbling with keys.
The man sneaks up on his intended victims and flees when they resist. Police says he targets college-aged females walking alone in residential areas which are poorly lit at the time of the attack. His victims are nearly always wearing a skirt or dress at the time of the attack, according to police.
The perpetrator often may confront his intended victim for less than a minute before fleeing, police said.
There are reportedly more than 31 reported incidents over a period of 12 months. The cases have similarities in more ways than the description of the perpetrator - a college age, white male of average weight an height.
Victims are often distracted, talking on cellular phones or fumbling with keys.
The man sneaks up on his intended victims and flees when they resist. Police says he targets college-aged females walking alone in residential areas which are poorly lit at the time of the attack. His victims are nearly always wearing a skirt or dress at the time of the attack, according to police.
The perpetrator often may confront his intended victim for less than a minute before fleeing, police said.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Just one drop
Missouri -- Thanks to a drop of blood, police believe they've solved a violent crime that occurred more than eight years ago in Clayton, bnd.com reports.
And now, a 38-year-old St. Louis man faces charges for robbing and sexually assaulting a woman in 1999.
Police say the woman was talking on the phone when she was grabbed from behind. Wearing a pillowcase over his head, the assailant tried to sexually assault her.
Fighting back, she bit the suspect so hard it drew blood. That turned out to be vital to the case.
Late 2006, the blood sample was entered into a DNA index system - something which eventually led police to the suspect, who was on probation for another crime.
And now, a 38-year-old St. Louis man faces charges for robbing and sexually assaulting a woman in 1999.
Police say the woman was talking on the phone when she was grabbed from behind. Wearing a pillowcase over his head, the assailant tried to sexually assault her.
Fighting back, she bit the suspect so hard it drew blood. That turned out to be vital to the case.
Late 2006, the blood sample was entered into a DNA index system - something which eventually led police to the suspect, who was on probation for another crime.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A good Samaritan killed
I'm sure you've read or heard about the 39-year-old New York City subway conductor, Maurice Parks, who just recently fought off three muggers? The man allegedly trained martial arts at a Harlem 'elite dojo', and he used a knife to defend himself.
It is believed the robbery victim inadvertently may have killed Flonarza Byas, a young man who tried to help him during the incident. As nydailynews.com writes: "(...) a good Samaritan who waded into the bloody fight, was fatally stabbed - and investigators say it's likely that Parks delivered the fatal wound not knowing that Byas was trying to help."
Now, this is a tragic incident for all involved. I am really sorry for the young man who was killed while trying to help, and I really hope that the three young muggers will be tried as adults and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
What I would like to draw some attention to is how terribly wrong things can go if you just "wade into" an incident without knowing how it is perceived by the one (or ones) you are trying to help.
It is virtually impossible to distinguish who is who in the middle of a fight like this! Why do you think police uses verbal commands during their interventions?
So if you decide to intervene (which I really hope you will do), please make sure you state up front who you are and what you are doing - in a loud and clear voice. Of course it is always (if there's time) your best bet to call police first, and then try to help in other ways. You may also want to state loudly that you have called police, and that they are on their way (this goes even if you haven't called police...).
If you can not see who the attackers are - you can not distinguish the victim (or victims) from the attacker (or attackers) - it is not very wise to intervene directly/in a physical sense. If, on the other hand, you do know who you are in fact trying to help - make yourself known to that person (or those persons) - visually as well as verbally!
It is believed the robbery victim inadvertently may have killed Flonarza Byas, a young man who tried to help him during the incident. As nydailynews.com writes: "(...) a good Samaritan who waded into the bloody fight, was fatally stabbed - and investigators say it's likely that Parks delivered the fatal wound not knowing that Byas was trying to help."
Now, this is a tragic incident for all involved. I am really sorry for the young man who was killed while trying to help, and I really hope that the three young muggers will be tried as adults and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
What I would like to draw some attention to is how terribly wrong things can go if you just "wade into" an incident without knowing how it is perceived by the one (or ones) you are trying to help.
It is virtually impossible to distinguish who is who in the middle of a fight like this! Why do you think police uses verbal commands during their interventions?
So if you decide to intervene (which I really hope you will do), please make sure you state up front who you are and what you are doing - in a loud and clear voice. Of course it is always (if there's time) your best bet to call police first, and then try to help in other ways. You may also want to state loudly that you have called police, and that they are on their way (this goes even if you haven't called police...).
If you can not see who the attackers are - you can not distinguish the victim (or victims) from the attacker (or attackers) - it is not very wise to intervene directly/in a physical sense. If, on the other hand, you do know who you are in fact trying to help - make yourself known to that person (or those persons) - visually as well as verbally!
Monday, January 14, 2008
The weapons myth
Hop over to my Squidoo women's self defense lense and have a look at the latest article.
It's about things to think about if you consider utilising a weapon (such as kubotan, spray, keys, taser, knife or gun).
I'd love to get your feedback on this topic!
It's about things to think about if you consider utilising a weapon (such as kubotan, spray, keys, taser, knife or gun).
I'd love to get your feedback on this topic!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Another bite out of crime
During the night before the "Lucia" celebration in Sweden (which is December 13), a 29-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Lund, according to svd.se
The attacker pushed her to the ground and put his thumb into the woman's mouth. This enabled the woman to free herself by clamping down as hard as she possibly could. The bite was so hard that the woman broke two teeth.
Late Tuesday evening a 24-year-old man came to a hospital emergency ward in nearby Malmoe with injuries that matched descriptions given by the woman.
Hospital staff alerted police, and the man was arrested shortly after at the hospital.
The attacker pushed her to the ground and put his thumb into the woman's mouth. This enabled the woman to free herself by clamping down as hard as she possibly could. The bite was so hard that the woman broke two teeth.
Late Tuesday evening a 24-year-old man came to a hospital emergency ward in nearby Malmoe with injuries that matched descriptions given by the woman.
Hospital staff alerted police, and the man was arrested shortly after at the hospital.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
A 'cooler aid'
A South Side apartment complex in Madison, Wisconsin has already been the scene of three murders and a non-fatal shooting during a 15 months period.
Thursday night yet another crime occurred, when a 50-year-old woman reportedly had to fight off an attempted sexual assault by a stranger in the basement of her building, according to madison.com.
The tenant said she had gone to a storage locker in the building's basement about 6 p.m. to get something. She was just about to leave when a man grabbed her from behind, a police spokesman said.
As the man held her by the waist, the woman reached into the storage locker, grabbing a hard beverage cooler plastic top to defend herself.
She was able to hit him a couple of times right in the head with it. The attacker yelled in pain, and the woman was able to run back upstairs to her apartment.
A police report stated the woman's shirt was ripped in the encounter, but she was otherwise unharmed.
Thursday night yet another crime occurred, when a 50-year-old woman reportedly had to fight off an attempted sexual assault by a stranger in the basement of her building, according to madison.com.
The tenant said she had gone to a storage locker in the building's basement about 6 p.m. to get something. She was just about to leave when a man grabbed her from behind, a police spokesman said.
As the man held her by the waist, the woman reached into the storage locker, grabbing a hard beverage cooler plastic top to defend herself.
She was able to hit him a couple of times right in the head with it. The attacker yelled in pain, and the woman was able to run back upstairs to her apartment.
A police report stated the woman's shirt was ripped in the encounter, but she was otherwise unharmed.
Monday, January 07, 2008
'I-knee-do' #1
Great fighting spirit in this "older" guy! If it is totally wise to fight back at that point is another matter all together. I suppose the "spirit" just came over him.
Story:
Pennsylvania -- In Sunbury, an older church leader fought off a would-be robber as he left the church Wednesday night.
The man explained he had finished locking the doors and was walking down a ramp when he saw a man wearing a black mask.
When he was asked for money, the church leader said he didn't have any. However, the man said he was going to check the church leader's pockets anyway.
The church leader, with what he described "just a moment to think", kneed the main in the groin, and punched him to the face. He then ran to his car parked nearby and locked himself inside.
A police spokesman said the criminal took off booking down an alley after the confrontation with the intended victim.
Story:
Pennsylvania -- In Sunbury, an older church leader fought off a would-be robber as he left the church Wednesday night.
The man explained he had finished locking the doors and was walking down a ramp when he saw a man wearing a black mask.
When he was asked for money, the church leader said he didn't have any. However, the man said he was going to check the church leader's pockets anyway.
The church leader, with what he described "just a moment to think", kneed the main in the groin, and punched him to the face. He then ran to his car parked nearby and locked himself inside.
A police spokesman said the criminal took off booking down an alley after the confrontation with the intended victim.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Lame excuses #3
Today, in our ongoing series "It wasn't me - it was Mr Pee," we have reached what is probably the number one sorry excuse of all time. Drum roll please ... yep, it's alcohol.
Thailand -- Pattaya Police Station investigated a case of attempted rape which occurred at an apartments building in North Pattaya in the early hours of Friday Morning.
A 34-year-old woman claimed a 25-year-old man had attempted to rape her 10 year old daughter. The suspect reportedly lives at the same apartment block.
The mother caught the suspect in the process of attempting to rape her young daughter as her 15 year old sister slept beside her.
The culprit claimed he was drunk and was not in control of his actions but did accept that he attempted to rape the young girl.
Thailand -- Pattaya Police Station investigated a case of attempted rape which occurred at an apartments building in North Pattaya in the early hours of Friday Morning.
A 34-year-old woman claimed a 25-year-old man had attempted to rape her 10 year old daughter. The suspect reportedly lives at the same apartment block.
The mother caught the suspect in the process of attempting to rape her young daughter as her 15 year old sister slept beside her.
The culprit claimed he was drunk and was not in control of his actions but did accept that he attempted to rape the young girl.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Hornblower
Numbers given by Meridian police in Mississippi, shows there have been three carjackings or carjacking attempts during a recent period of six and a half weeks and a total of four in 2007.
However, police blotters, which are provided to the media on a daily basis, show a total of six this year.
In a recent, unsuccessful, carjacking attempt, the female driver began blowing her horn, which made the suspect run away. Making noise is often the best defense, police claims.
"Most of these individuals don't want to be apprehended, don't want to be caught or identified, and they will usually run away or whatever," the spokesman said.
However, police blotters, which are provided to the media on a daily basis, show a total of six this year.
In a recent, unsuccessful, carjacking attempt, the female driver began blowing her horn, which made the suspect run away. Making noise is often the best defense, police claims.
"Most of these individuals don't want to be apprehended, don't want to be caught or identified, and they will usually run away or whatever," the spokesman said.
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