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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 be easily be grabbed.  They are also likely to go after a woman with long hair.  Woman with short hair are not common targets.

2  The second thing men look for is clothing.  They will look for woman whose 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 05.00 and 08.30 am.

5  The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman quickly mover 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 realise 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.

The Metropolitan Police have genuine information on their website:

Staying Safe

To be read thouroughly and memorised I think. This is very useful information and as you say, it could save lives. Its very interesting to know how a rapist thinks, probably not something most of us has ever considered. :)

>>The time of day men are most likely to attack and rape a woman is in the early morning, between 05.00 and 08.30 am.

I walk the dog about 6am and even when its dark I felt quite safe because its so early and didnt think anyone else would be about - scary :(

I think you have to keep it in perspective though. The biggest defence in my opinion is to walk confidently and aggressively. I often have to walk alone in the dark in car parks with a lap top - if anyone is about I just glare at them!

I dont see many people when I walk and Fagan quite often gives a little woof if he see's someone (although his tail is usually wagging too :rolleyes: ).  I must admit I tend to walk round the streets if it is dark, im too scared to venture into the woods and fields

I know Im going to get alot of stick for saying this but I've often wondered if my dog would protect me if someone tried to attack me.... (here goes) is this something that it could be trained to do???

Personal safety only though as nower days the worlds not a safe place for a women :(

I have read this on here before, and took note of it then.  I never text or talk on my phone anymore as I am fully aware you are not watching or listening to what is going on around.  I do have my hair in a pony tail, but try to tuck it into my coat.

I too am out early, 5.20am with the dogs, and most evenings I go out on my own too, in the dark.  Needs must I'm afraid.

I did pass a lady once on the downs where I go, she had 2 dogs with her and I had my 2, it was dusk and she was chatting away on her mobile, she didn't even know I was there until my dogs ran over to hers.  However, I had been watching her for a good few minutes.

I read this with major interest as I walk Copper at every adverse hour of the day.  I usually have keys or a small pen in my pocket and in my hand just in case of emergencies.  I wouldn't have any hesitation in lashing out should the need arise but a friend of mine who works for the police said these items could be construed as "weapons", putting me in the wrong.

To date I have had no incidents and I have an inkling that my dog would at least create some serious noise should I be attacked.  My motto to myself is always "be aware".

Keep safe everyone :)

CG

Do you have the actual source of that information?  I would be interested to know exactly where it came from and how it was researched.

This came through from the Security Dept of the firm that I work for in London (admittedly, I work in City and not Metropolitan Police dept)

I also walk Jazz at all hours of the day and night.  I always carry my mobile phone but never text or talk on it whilst walking.  Jazz turns around every five minutes when we are walking annoys the life out of me at times but at least hes always alert. 

Very good information *digs out umbrella* ;)
It is also worth remembering to lock all your car doors, esp if it's early morning and late at night.

liberty

It has been brought to our attention that a recently published article on this site, entitled "Through a Rapist's Eyes", contained inaccurate/false information, as has been advised by the Met who did NOT originally issue this item back in October 2003; we have been informed as follows:

- this is NOT a Project Sapphire / Metropolitan Police document. As far as Project Sapphire is aware, no such "survey" of convicted rapists has ever been commissioned. Significant parts of the advice are not helpful. It also needs to be stressed that less than 10% of reported rapes are stranger attacks.*

I thought I had read this information somewhere else with the comment and at last I have found it.  Please be aware that this information was not gained from a survey and did NOT come from the Metropolitan Police.  If you want help and advice the Project Sapphire website can help.

Staying Safe

I would certainly feel more comfortable if Admin removed the bit that says it came from the Metropolitan Police.

Jackyjak - thanks for that - as I posted it originally, I'll see if I can emove it.   I'll also pass this infoon at work!

They are still relevant points though!

Margot

The original post is 'information' that has been posted numerous times on the internet. The only difference is that the supposedly issuing Police Force varies. The first copy I saw a few years ago was reportedly from Nottinghamshire Police. This information, although posted in good faith, is dangerous because it typecasts attackers and attacks. People will assume that they will be safe (and let their guards down) if they follow the advice. Of course this is not always the case. The best form of defence against such attacks is observation/awareness and a little common sense and that means at all times of the day and night. I feel that it will serve a purpose to leave the information here and highlight the dangers of such posts to others.

For information, and advice, on rape/sexual assault and how to stay safe you can visit the Sapphire website