Rape Axe is an anti-rape device that "tags" the assailant and may just be the newest weapon in the fight against rape, especially in South Africa which apparently is the rape capital of world with a woman being raped every 26 seconds according to aid groups and local organizations

"Rape-aXe is a flexible polyurethane condom-like tube that fits into the woman's body. Rows of jagged plastic hooks line the inside of the tube — bent backward like teeth in a shark’s mouth — and lodge in a perpetrator's penis upon entry. The perpetrator can withdraw from the woman, but the Rape-aXe remains clamped on. Trying to pull it off will cause discomfort.

Though the device causes great distress, it does not draw blood, Ehlers says, which is crucial in areas where HIV/AIDS rates are high. A man must seek medical attention to have the Rape-aXe removed. Until then, he cannot urinate, essentially tagging him until he gets to a hospital, she explains. Ehlers says she consulted an engineer, gynecologist and psychologist on the design."

While in theory I think this is a good idea, I'm not so sure how effective it will be. Figure if the word is already out about this product and it's not on the market yet, it's giving rapists a heads up don't you think. As some people have commented:

"....all this is going to lead to is a new use for bananas and hotdogs".

"....there are two disadvantages of it:
1. The rapist might check the presence of such a device with his fingers.
2. It might provoke the rapist and he may harm the woman fatally."

I tend to agree with both those comments. So what do you think? Will it be effective? Is it a good idea? Will it do more harm than good? and I don't mean harm to the rapist, because if some sucker gets "caught" up in this, it will be well deserved.

Clicky for the whole story. Here's what the device would look like. Ouch, and I'm not even a guy!!