Sex attacks put women on guard

The Australian ^ | 10/29/06 | Kate Patterson

[kiriath_jearim]

FRIGHTENED women are learning self-defence, arming themselves with personal security alarms and exercising in groups following a spate of sex attacks across Brisbane.

In the latest attack on Friday night, a man tried to drag a 20-year-old woman into bushes at Daw Rd, Runcorn, on the southside, but she managed to fight him off.

Police are now investigating at least two rapes and about 25 sexual assaults on bikeways and jogging areas since January.

They are hunting a serial predator believed responsible for many of the attacks, and several copycat offenders.

State Labor MP for northside Ashgrove Kate Jones, 27, said the assaults had changed women's behaviour.

"They feel like they have to be far more vigilant and take safety precautions," she said.

" I haven't gone walking without taking a whistle and a mobile phone with me just in case anything happens, and I know other women my age in the area that do the same."

Accountant Nirvana McBeath, 33, said she was too scared to exercise alone after a man exposed himself to her on a bikeway.

"I was really scared, and I felt threatened because I felt isolated and I didn't know what to do," she said.

Ms McBeath has joined a gym so she can exercise indoors and goes jogging only once a week with a group of friends.

"I just wouldn't risk it by going out on my own. My friends have all joined the gym, too.

"We all feel scared. It's ruined the beauty of being able to go out for a jog and enjoy exercise. You don't feel like you can do that freely.

"My husband has taken it a step further and bought me a dog. He's not happy for me to jog on my own, either."

[A CA Guy]

The best defense is an offense, but run away when you can.

[Kenton]

"I walked into my local pub wearing my greatkilt and strapped with my broad sword in it's baldric"

*swoon!*

Marry me!

;D

LOL.... sorry darlin', that wasn't fair now, was it? The kilt gets 'em every time...

Besides, I see from your profile that you're already married to a fine gentleman.

And even at my best I'm a rogue and a scoundrel, and the type of man that a lady'd be best advised to stay way clear of... ;)

[Salamander]

"And even at my best I'm a rogue and a scoundrel, and the type of man that a lady'd be best advised to stay way clear of... ;)"


But that's my favorite kind of guy!....;D


[and no fair hittin' below the sporran]....;]

[antonia]

	Here's your solution to the rape epidemic:
	Are you recommending the knife, the old age, or the expression??

[detsaoT]

Considering it's in Australia, my response would have to be, "You call that a knife? That ain't no knife. This is a knife!"

;)