A misleading narrative around “anti-rape” underwear is circulating on social media, falsely claiming a new European solution to sexual violence. The clip, shared by far-right figures including Tommy Robinson, alleges that the underwear is being introduced to protect women from migrants, fueling xenophobic sentiments. However, fact-checking reveals the video actually features products from defunct or inactive companies – AR Wear from the US and Safe Shorts from Germany – and doesn’t represent a current, widespread initiative.
The Spread of Misinformation About Anti-Rape Underwear
The posts attempt to link the supposed introduction of this anti-rape technology to a failure to control borders, suggesting Europe is opting for preventative measures on women rather than addressing migration concerns. The video showcases underwear described as impossible to tear or cut, utilizing a specialized latch for secure wear. Spanish subtitles within the clip further perpetuate the false claim that this is a recent European development.
Investigation reveals the “AR Wear” logo shown in the video is linked to a 2013 Indiegogo campaign. The campaign successfully raised almost $55,000 to develop “wearable protection” against forced removal, but ultimately failed to launch a product. Company updates from 2016 cited manufacturing difficulties and maintaining quality within an affordable price range, and a search shows users have repeatedly questioned the project’s status in subsequent years.
The clip also mentions a German company, displaying a “Safe Shorts” logo. Safe Shorts was a real product, created by Sandra Seilz following an attempted rape. Articles from 2017 and 2018 detail the creation of these anti-violence shorts, but current searches fail to locate an active website or contact information for the company, suggesting it is no longer operating.
Notably, this isn’t the first instance of this video being used to spread false information. A previous fact check by Spanish broadcaster RTVE in 2024 identified the same misleading claims.
Rising Sexual Violence in the EU
The resurfacing of this misinformation coincides with reported increases in sexual violence across the European Union. According to Eurostat data, sexual violence offenses, including rape, rose by 79.2% in 2023 compared to 2013. Rape offenses specifically more than doubled during this period, representing a 141% increase.
Eurostat attributes the higher reported numbers partly to increased societal awareness and potentially, a greater willingness to report incidents. A separate report published in 2024 indicates approximately one in three women in the EU have experienced physical or sexual violence as adults, with 13% reporting rape or other degrading sexual acts.
However, it’s important to remember that increased reporting is a positive step towards addressing sexual violence and should not be exploited to promote unfounded narratives or harmful stereotypes. The focus should remain on comprehensive prevention strategies, support for victims, and holding perpetrators accountable.
The spread of this misinformation highlights the need for critical evaluation of information shared online, particularly regarding sensitive topics like sexual assault and migration. As data on sexual violence continues to emerge, it’s crucial to rely on verified sources and avoid contributing to narratives that exploit victimhood or promote prejudice. Stay informed by consulting reputable news organizations and official statistics when encountering claims about violence against women and related issues.
