I have 5 minutes to post right now, before it is back to the boardroom to paperclip my eyes to my eye lashes in an attempt to keep awake AND focused, but I just had to blog, to say HI & all what with this impending blog break... and because this issue is playing on my mind...
I read this article in the last Sunday Independent.
Police drag heels while rapes continue in Melville.
Jam blogged about the incident recently. It also has been the talk of many people in Jo'burg as I think it has caught an extreme nerve. "That could've been me" has passed through many many a socialising Jo'burger's thoughts, most especially me.
Questions that the article made me think are:
*Why did that Melville satellite police station close down? Especially considering that from Melville to Milpark to Auckland Park to Brixton to Braamfontein to Town crime just gets worse. Surely we want MORE police capacity, not less??
*Where is the constant police presence in Melville, especially on weekend nights, especially seeing as they have had repeat incidences?? And not just for drunken driving or under-age drinking, but rather to make muderers, muggers & rapists be the ones to not feel at ease.
*What are local bar/ pub/ club owners doing about this? I know they met following this girl's rape, but what were the outcomes of this meeting?
*Why do the cops not put up identi-kits all over the vibing streets of Melville so the guys' faces are well known.
*I feel ill and shocked at the comments & reasons given by the rapists to the girls that they raped...that one girl who was a Model-C school black girl "thinks she is better than them" or that "this is the only way we can have sex with a white girl". HOW HOW HOW can guys be raping and thinking such things?
*What the f*ck do I do?? Do I lock myself in my house and not go out at night...chances. Do I only head north from now on - save my boho self, but NO! Do I never go back to Melville cause now I am scared? Do I always go with many friends...not possible, often I am meeting a friend from another direction there for a few quiet drinks, plus the last two girls were walked to their cars with friends to act as protection? Do I use taxis to get to and from the pub - hey, it helps with drinking/driving issues too! What on earth do I personally do to protect myself?????
(Not tell my parents about this article or incident, that's for sure!)
*If it should happen, do I beg the guy(s) to wear a condom, cause I'd rather he wasn't charged than I got HIV/ a STD or pregnant with his spawn. And do I then accept that I am now a crime stat that my government overlooks?
24 comments:
What can one say!
Rape is the most sensless crime. There can never be an excuse for it! No skirt too short Mr JZ!!
I have personal experience with this topic, and am 100% militant. STDs can mostly be cured, what it does to the mind cannot!
I would rather go to jail innocent than have one guilt free!
No, I have not been raped, but someone that I once was close to was. The irony was that it did not even happen in SA.
I am a tolerant person, but zero tolerance for rape.
Kyk, rape may have many motives. In the end rape is a purly a crime of violence and domination. It is committed by weak individuals who want to prove a point.
Champs correct me if I am wrong, but here is what to do if exposed to HIV.
See a good doctor ASAP. The sooner the better, you have a very good chance (over 90%) if within the first 72 hours.
Get the doctor to put you on ARV's immediatly (you only need to take it for a month, so don't worry about side effects). I have heard of people going to clinics and they never gave that option.
You can take a test (PCR) if you really paranoid. This is a very specific test in the early stages (i.e. diagnostic quality) but it cost round R800 (what value do you put to piece of mind?).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction
http://www.medicinenet.com/pcr_polymerase_chain_reaction/article.htm
Other tests have something like a two week window period. If you have a negative PCR, you could prob. go off the ARV's, but personally I would only do it if the side effects are bad (contrary to Manto, they not that bad till you get full blown AIDS).
Practice extreamly safe sex for about six weeks, till you get the follow up test, but best abstain till you know for sure.
The ARV's will cost you between R300 and R500.
Assuming since everyone has an internet connection to blog, they will have enough money to do this, but if not, I am sure Champs can give some pointers to get free treatment. Otherwise, get a loan, ask a friend, or me. We only have one life, and money is the easiest thing to replace.
Some more info on HIV tests.
http://www.polity.org.za/html/govdocs/reports/aids/chapter4.htm
That said, what rape does to the mind is something that can never be repaired.
Maybe we should we reintroduce Chastity Belts??
How do you feel about wrought iron panties??
Rc funny you say that. I know someone who patented just that. They made of kevlar. To get with the times :-)
Guinnie - no, there is no excuse for it. It is a sick crime, the cause of many ill reasons.
Your info does look correct there. I don't know pricing too well, so not sure about that. And I have not experienced ARVs personally so have to trust other people's info.
I will do a post on PEP (Treatment to take 72 hours after exposure to the HI Virus) early in the new year. I have run out of time & steam this year!
Kyk - good point.
Revs - the chaffing might be a bit of a bitch, but at least I'd be assured of NEVER EVER having photos taken of me like Paris & Britney recently appeared.
Isn't tuna the fish that smells a bit like metal?!?! he he he.
Tuna fish... We back on sushi are we?
Hi Champers - first opportunity to read your blog in ages! Keep up the good work, don't know when I'll be allowed back again... it's because you write about sex all the time!
Kisses
Koekie
I am always sickened and disgusted when I hear about these bastard scum. Champs, your best option to prevent the worst from happening is to stay vigilant, if you're going home alone, be sure to have a clear head and walk confidently.
Stun guns, mace, even knuckle dusters are generally acceptable weapons for women to carry for self defence. The problem is when the cowards will take you by suprise always grabbing you from behind.
Taking a simple self defense course will also benefit you. A friend was attacked on a public beach but was luckily rescued. She did the course and said it helped tremendously. You wont be the next Jackie Chan but the potential rapist will feel like he's experienced fists of FURY!
The best defense is a great offense so tap into your primal side and go bos! The rapist's main objective is to get u to a dark spot, undress u quickly, and get out of there.
Think how the stats would drop if the punishment for rape was castration.
I am always sickened and disgusted when I hear about these bastard scum. Champs, your best option to prevent the worst from happening is to stay vigilant, if you're going home alone, be sure to have a clear head and walk confidently.
Stun guns, mace, even knuckle dusters are generally acceptable weapons for women to carry for self defence. The problem is when the cowards will take you by suprise always grabbing you from behind.
Taking a simple self defense course will also benefit you. A friend was attacked on a public beach but was luckily rescued. She did the course and said it helped tremendously. You wont be the next Jackie Chan but the potential rapist will feel like he's experienced fists of FURY!
The best defense is a great offense so tap into your primal side and go bos! The rapist's main objective is to get u to a dark spot, undress u quickly, and get out of there.
Think how the stats would drop if the punishment for rape was castration.
This article hardly surprises me.
As you know, I'm also wary about putting a toe into Melville at the moment. But time will tell, and it's good to see that the community is making some effort to address these problems.
we will be organnising a flash mob around this issue in the near future.. watch this space for news and details
All who will participate, say AYE!
I have heard of incidences where, on asked, the rapist has obliged to wear a condom. It worries me though, that a rapist (with unsound mind) won't give a damn to wear one, after all he doesn't give a damn about me if he's raping me to start with is he?
I'd certainly ask. AIDS and venereal disease scares me more than anything - even more than having his spawn.
Its an aye from me to dayt
hello gorgeous! i'm back. Here's a pocket full of sunshine to brighten your day. Now stop with the aids for 30 days - its holidays! Chews decrees that December is world no worry about std's month ;P So go get some!
Lollipop agree with the self defence. If nothing else it will give a feeling of empowerment.
As for a weapon. One must always be careful that it does not end up being used against you. With a weapon one has to be 100% committed (no hesitation), and know how to use it well.
Jam, letting them intimidate you means they win. Then again, winning is not always the best option. Hope you find a happy medium.
A little off topic, but not really since it does show the mindset of some people. One thing, I don't want to lessen the seriousness of rape.
Here goes:
Two weeks ago on a Friday I happend to be in Mellville. After a good night of partying, I went to my car where the car guard was all upset. Some woman (number plate ND 432552) scraped the side of my car.
Now she did not leave any information, appology or anything. The car guard said that they tried to stop her, but she was rude and just drove off.
Lesson one, there are too many really small people out there that have absolutly no regard for others. Two, there are car guards that care. They took down the number plate and tried to stop her.
Hi Campagne
Try to carry a very sharp HB pencil with you at all time and if this fucker comes close too you stab him in ear not the eye. If you stab him in the ear he won't be able to run after you as he won't be able to balance at all.
Be safe girl.
LOL Spider, a case of a pencil is mightier than the sword?
You been watching too much Casino ;-)
Dayt - AYE to flash mob (always wanted to be part of one)
Spider - only got a clutch on me, does that count.
My uncle was leaving a club with his gf when these asses reversed into the side of the car while his girlfriend was climbing into the car. Luckily he pushed her out the way in time but his leg got injured badly. The car guard was helpful too, got all the details but couldnt testify because he was an illegal immigrant.
Agreed that they r generally a helpful lot
When it comes to rape, there are no excuses. But in a country where your top politician can get away with it, there really is no hope. Rape is usually a spur of the moment crime, but the way it has been reported, makes it sound like these guys are conciously planning the crimes. I say they should hang.
I love going to melville and doing the pub crawl. I've always felt pretty safe. I will not let the threat of scumbags cause me to not have a good night out. fuck them. and god help them if they try anything with me. I know how to drop kick.
Just saw this, Amex's contribution to fighting HIV/Aids in Africa.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Merry and (RED) Christmas
Have a happy Christmas everyone and a great 2007.
http://jamesneophytou.blogspot.com/
Being a Melville restaurant manager this story has made us all sick. The police presence has been upped, but it wont be long before that dwindles. The owner of Six has paid for "Bobbys on the beat" from a private scurity company and is appealing to other restaurants and pubs to contribute towards the cost.
Also, Friday and Saturday nights are to be avoided, it gets a bit rough.
DaveRich - thanks so much for your comment about this!! It will be good to keep you around for updates. I know the dear SIX owner so I will keep harassing him for updates. Sad, isn't it, that you are forced to pay private security companies to do the cops job. And the crux becomes, that weekend nights are obviously the most popular for us too - the not-so-rough! Good luck with it all!
Will keep my ear to the ground for you and keep you posted. Heres to a Super 2007. Happy New Year.
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