#ruby vorgers

Since many victims of sexual assault or rape go into shock during these events, they are unable to call for help or escape. The heart monitor in the bra will be able to measure the drop in your heart rate when this state of shock occurs.  This can all count as evidence against your rapist, which is something that many victims of sexual assault struggle with. They have no evidence, there were no witnesses and because of that, their rapist is still able to walk around freely.

“When just my word is no evidence” (Vorgers, 2016)

‘Soutien’ represents the need for justice, especially for victims of sexual harassment and rape. Which is a very hot topic, especially right now. Just think of all the hashtags going around on social media. Everyone has access to social media and can contribute to a hashtag.  This bra is so attractive right now, because in this day and age people are confronted with stories and hashtags almost every day, which can make them feel unsafe. ‘Soutien’ is of use to all women or others that wear bras. It will make them feel a lot safer in their daily life, or during certain events, such as going out. Of course, the bra would not be able to protect them from being harassed or raped, but at least they will have the certainty of evidence. The recording equipment will help in making sure the perpetrator will be punished and will be prevented from harming others.  (Kurpershoek, 2018)

This bra can be related to especially the social aspect of STEEP since it’s about people’s behaviour and the way they treat one another.

However, a more interesting insight is the political one. Are there any laws that can prevent this bra from being manufactured? Is it illegal to record people without them knowing? If we take a closer look at the Dutch laws regarding recordings, it says that as long as the person that’s recording participates in the conversation, it’s legal. (Wetboek van Strafrecht, sd)

The underlying need for this signal is the security of having evidence. Of course, it will not prevent rape or harassment entirely, but it’s one step closer to the value of trust of the goodness of humanity and self-control. 

In my opinion, this bra has a great future potential, in the sense that women will feel more safe and secure wearing these types of garments to events or occasions where they normally would not feel as safe. It will also spread the word that women are not to be messed with any longer. And it might even greatly impact the numbers of sexual assault and rape, because now people know that this recording equipment exists. However, I’m not too sure if many people will buy a bra like this. In my opinion, people are too sceptical to have all this equipment in their bras. Especially in this day and age when people are scared of being watched or eavesdropped. So, although I think this is a very innovative and great idea, I feel the world is not yet ready for it.