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Sonette Ehlers, a former medical technician from South Africa, invented Rapex, an anti-rape device, in 2005. The device was created in response to the alarming rates of rape in South Africa. Rapex is tube-shaped with internal barbs, inserted by a woman similar to a tampon. The barbs are intended to latch onto a potential rapist's skin. Once the device is in place, surgical removal is the only option. This need for medical intervention not only incapacitates the attacker but also assists in their identification and apprehension. Nevertheless, the device remains in the prototype stage and has not been introduced to the market or made accessible for purchase.