A law of the Italian Parliament has established that rape is no longer a crime against morality, but a crime against the person. Sexual assault, in fact, causes physical and psychic traumas that go on in time and can be, sometimes, an irreversible cause.

This is why, when there is a rape attempt, it is necessary to react with maximum determination, as if your own life comes into play. Sometimes it happens that the maniac, immediately after the rape, kills his victim.

In case you are subjected to a rape attempt, therefore, have no inhibition; you must not worry about the rules of the penal code about the culpable excess of self-defence. You must remember that your own life is involved.

Before facing the argument about “defence against a rape attempt”, it is necessary to repeat the importance of prevention foresights. We have just given you some general advice about prevention.

In addition to those advice, keep in mind also the following ones:

• If you are harassed by a molester with a swagger attitude, you must not provoke him with verbal reactions that can make him feeling angry. In fact often the swagger looks for an opportunity to “justify” his aggressions (“Do you provoke me? Now I will show you...”). You must only ignore the nuisance, trying to find immediately a way out. Things are different if the inconvenience happens in a public place, for example on a bus: in this case you can expose the molester with the expression “Hands off, swine!” (or a similar expression). This can also attract the attention of the present persons and make the aggressor go away. You must always pay attention to possible tailings from the molester after these episodes of public nuisances. If you notice that you are followed, remain in areas where there are many persons. If it is possible, go to a policeman or phone to a friend, who can find an “escort” for you.

In case of suspicious tailings, it is useful to know in advance where are the police seats: in this way you can take the tailer to a place that he does not appreciate. You must always have a torch in your car or bag. It will be useful, for example, when you must stop the car in dark places: before getting out and before releasing the safety catch, you must control the surrounding areas with the torch. In case of need, the torch can be also an excellent “blunt instrument”.

If, despite your precautions, you are alone with someone who tries to rape you, do not lose your head. Try to gain time and a psychological advantage.

In this regard, an attitude of feigned submission will be very useful. For example, you could say: «Don’t hurt me, there’s no need: I’ll do whatever you want». Or: «Be nice to me, and you won’t regret it».

Such an attitude can ease tension in the potential rapist, who sometimes thinks he already "dominates" the victim: and therefore it can favor (with a "surprise effect") the effectiveness of your subsequent reaction.
There are many other possible psychological diversions.

For example, you could say something like this: «Sex has always been a pleasure for me: but unfortunately I have to warn you that I am HIV positive. Do you have a condom with you?». The fear of contagion could make the rapist desist from his intentions.

The joke about the condom, in particular, will demonstrate your willingness to look for solutions, and this will make your "story" more credible.

As an alternative to the “threat” of HIV, we suggest using an even more explicit “AIDS” or a venereal disease. References to pregnancy or the days of the menstrual cycle can also be effective.

If psychology doesn’t work…

If psychology doesn’t work, then act with “nastiness”. Use the most effective blows (including the “unorthodox” ones), aiming at the most vulnerable targets: eyes, throat and genitals. If you have good teeth, you could pretend (as a last resort) to particularly enjoy oral sex. Your first offensive move, in this case, will be a very, very firm bite!