Wait a minute...! Surely that doesn't go on in Kuwait, right? I mean you don't hear about it that much. When it does happen often its expats only and usually only the poorest of them. It hardly ever happens to Kuwaitis so let's just never ever discuss such an ugly word as rape.
Welcome to de Nile (denial) and we aren't even in Egypt. When this topic is brought up with some of my most educated Kuwaiti friends the discussion quickly turns ugly. Because that sort of stuff doesn't happen in Kuwait and it's an insult to even suggest it does. I mean, America is the land of rape and honey so why would an American girl discuss rape in her beloved host country? I have never been raped so what do I know about it?
Yes, rape happens in America just like the rest of the world and even Kuwait. Most Americans are taught from the time we are little children what rape is and how to protect ourselves and report it if it does happen. There are countless studies, assistance programs, resources and our law enforcement is well trained on what to do in these situations. The gist of it is that if you are raped in America you are more likely to report it with less shame or family dishonor. Rapists are prosecuted in a court of law that has very little wasta when compared to some Middle Eastern countries. Our system is far from perfect but compared to the rest of the world it's pretty darn good and getting better with improved knowledge, communication and legislation.
Kuwaitis Arrested for Raping a Kuwaiti Woman Inside Diwaniya
Arab Times, December 2012 [link]
Two Kuwaiti citizens were arrested recently for raping a Kuwaiti woman inside a diwaniya in Ardiya.
According to a security source, the victim had lodged a complaint against her boyfriend and his friend and informed securitymen that she was with her boyfriend in Jabriya when he drove to Ardiya without any explanation and stopped in front of a building.
He then forced her to step out of the vehicle and enter a diwaniya, where he along with his friend who was at the diwaniya raped her.
The victim later pretended she wanted to use the bathroom from where she escaped and fled from the location. She immediately rushed to Abdullah Al-Mubarak police station where she lodged a complaint against them.
Using the information given by the victim, securitymen arrested the two suspects and referred them to the Public Prosecution.
During interrogations, the suspects revealed that when they realized she had escaped, they did not follow her because they did not attract the attention of the neighbors.
___________________________________
Even though men are raped at alarming rates here and around the world I will focus on women in this post.
What is rape? [Source and more info]
- mentally incapacitated or impaired,
- physically impaired (due to voluntary or involuntary alcohol or drug consumption)
- asleep or unconscious.
One of the most critical issues regarding rape is consent. Sexual activity should not take place unless both parties have freely given consent, and consent is understood by both parties.
- silence does not mean consent.
- if consent is given under duress (physical or emotional threats), then it is not given freely or willingly and sex with a person consenting under duress is rape
- if someone is impaired due to alcohol or drugs, that person is deemed incapable of consenting and sex with that person is rape (even if the impaired person says "yes")
In a country where a women must be pure to marry what happens if she reports being raped? Will she be believed or shunned? Will she face death by an honor crime? Will she ever be able to marry? If she is already married will her husband divorce her? Most often then not it is never reported and the crime is covered up by the victim, her family, and she is even given a simple surgery abroad or illegally here to restore her pureness. The cover up will unfortunately never help the victim heal from her emotional and torturous pain.
Now, what brought me to this topic you might ask? Well, a reader recently left two comments on an old post [here].
Teacher on December 7th wrote:
1. "The head of a primary school in Mangaf was raped at knife point in broad daylight on the beach at Fahaheel in November 2012. She had just had a coffee at Starbucks and took a short walk when this man pounced on her."
2. "A teacher friend of mine went to Avenues Mall in the Eid holiday, October 2012. She is a western expat. Her taxi was blocked by two other taxis when she tried to get home. They offered her driver money to give her to them. Fortunately, he kept the doors locked and the police arrived on the scene."
Then I read in the Arab Times and Kuwait Times yesterday about a Canadian lady in Kuwait that was recently raped. (I am just so heartbroken for her and pray she is okay. I hope they have caught the monster that did this and that he will rot in jail.)
Kuwait Times [link] Molestation
A Canadian woman told Fahaheel police that an unknown person fondled her while in the elevator of the building she lives in, adding that she was decently dressed.
The Arab Times [link] Police hunt man for ‘raping’ Canadian teacher in her flat
Kuwait City, Dec 7,2012: An unknown individual raped a Canadian woman recently in Fahaheel, reports Al-Rai daily.
Following the incident, the victim rushed to Fahaheel police station and lodged a complaint against the suspect.
She informed security men that she works as a teacher in a school and while she was on her way to her house, she noticed the suspect following her.
She changed her route to confuse the suspect and when she reached her house and parked her vehicle, she did not find him in the area.
However, when she entered the elevator, the suspect rushed in behind her and molested her. He pushed her to her apartment where he raped her. However, he became nervous when she started screaming and escaped.
A case was registered and investigations are ongoing to arrest the suspect using the information given by the victim.
_______________________________________
Wait a minute. Full stop! "Adding she was decently dressed." ??? Yep, welcome to Kuwait. If you are a Western expat woman there are a few things you should know. If you get raped here it is most likely viewed as being your fault. Where did that bit of information come from? Did I just make that up? No, it's from my friends that deal with these cases. That's all I can write or they will get P.O. at me. I've actually given advice to them since they didn't have a clue of what rape is...
In the West you can be with a man that is not your husband and get physical until the last second before doing it and then change your mind. If he then forces you to continue against your will then it is rape.
You can drink yourself to oblivion, dance at a party and flirt all night and then become unconscious and still any sexual penetration act against you without your consent is considered rape.
You can dress as slutty as you like and walk around half naked and if someone sexually assaults you then it is rape.
Now, back to living here in Kuwait. This is a Muslim country and there are strict rules. You cannot drink, be with men when you are not married, go to parties with alcohol (minus embassies), and although you can dress anyway you please nowadays as many do more and more, if you are not decently dressed then honey it's your fault. Many Western expat women go to parties and do many things that we are not supposed to do here and nothing ever happens. It's really normal and we sometimes think we are above the law just because we are Western. Just know that if you are attacked or raped then good luck with getting the guy or guys responsible into any trouble. You will most likely be in trouble and it won't be pretty.
Also, did you know that most people see rape as a sexual crime here and not one of violence? They think it only happens to younger more attractive girls so if you are an older woman then good luck with getting any sort of justice.
In the Western world we know that many senior citizens are subjected to the violent crime of rape because the perpetrator looks for an easy target. Someone who won't or can't fight back. A victim they can steal from and commit such a violent crime without any resistance. [Read about the notorious Delroy Grant "Night Stalker" from the UK here]
My Father taught me self-defense and how to use weapons from an early age. I remember when I first went off to University he sat me down and told me to remember what I was taught and to always be aware of my surroundings day and night. One thing that has always stuck in my mind is what he said about how critical your first reaction is when you are first attacked. To never let the attacker take you from point A to point B. That your survival rate plummets if the attacker can relocate you to another place. My Father looked me in the eyes and said you must fight till death and scream "fire" until you have nothing left. Usually an attacker will flee at any attempt of a strong resistance.
My advice to Western ladies in Kuwait: Remember where you are and that this is not the West. (Where you are more familiar with local laws and customs.) Only take a taxi from a driver you know. Your life is worth an extra wait at the mall for the driver that will take you safely home. Always know where you are and carry a working cell phone. Do not wear your iPod where you are distracted and do not know what's around you. Dress appropriately for a Muslim country no matter how many other women you see not doing so. This is a country that every woman and man gets constant attention from the opposite sex whether they are a two to a ten. Just try to dress on the safe side because what you were wearing when attacked does matter here. Never meet guys over the Internet unless it's a public place and you have a friend with you while other people know where you both went. Never Tweet, Blog or Instragram your current location. Never go on a boat or to the desert with guys you do not know and trust. Remember that unfortunately expat girls are often looked at as "easy" and "open" to anything so we may get approached more. Lock your apartment and never get in the elevator with strangers. I've even had an American man grab me in an elevator so you just never know. When driving alone always lock your door and do not look at men following you. If you are being followed in your car and approaching your apartment or house do not go there. Drive to a public place and call a friend or the police or both.
I could go on and on with advice but most of us know what to do. We just seem to get complacent in Kuwait because we feel safer here than the rest of the world minus the near death experiences while driving. Just remember that most rapes here go unreported and if reported there is most likely not a conviction. There are even payments of "blood money" from the criminal's family to the victims.
My question is: What do you do if you are raped in Kuwait? Of course you go to the hospital and report it to the police but are there any recovery or support programs? Are the criminals even convicted in most cases? According to the English newspapers in Kuwait it seems like they always get away with it....WASTA!
Disclaimer: I am not an expert on rape. For more information about this crime you can search the Internet or contact a local rape support group.
Silence on Rape Is the Biggest Obstacle to Prevention
Update on December 24, 2012:
Kuwaiti Freed in Rape Charge
Following the incident, the victim rushed to Fahaheel police station and lodged a complaint against the suspect.
She informed security men that she works as a teacher in a school and while she was on her way to her house, she noticed the suspect following her.
She changed her route to confuse the suspect and when she reached her house and parked her vehicle, she did not find him in the area.
However, when she entered the elevator, the suspect rushed in behind her and molested her. He pushed her to her apartment where he raped her. However, he became nervous when she started screaming and escaped.
A case was registered and investigations are ongoing to arrest the suspect using the information given by the victim.
_______________________________________
Wait a minute. Full stop! "Adding she was decently dressed." ??? Yep, welcome to Kuwait. If you are a Western expat woman there are a few things you should know. If you get raped here it is most likely viewed as being your fault. Where did that bit of information come from? Did I just make that up? No, it's from my friends that deal with these cases. That's all I can write or they will get P.O. at me. I've actually given advice to them since they didn't have a clue of what rape is...
In the West you can be with a man that is not your husband and get physical until the last second before doing it and then change your mind. If he then forces you to continue against your will then it is rape.
You can drink yourself to oblivion, dance at a party and flirt all night and then become unconscious and still any sexual penetration act against you without your consent is considered rape.
You can dress as slutty as you like and walk around half naked and if someone sexually assaults you then it is rape.
Now, back to living here in Kuwait. This is a Muslim country and there are strict rules. You cannot drink, be with men when you are not married, go to parties with alcohol (minus embassies), and although you can dress anyway you please nowadays as many do more and more, if you are not decently dressed then honey it's your fault. Many Western expat women go to parties and do many things that we are not supposed to do here and nothing ever happens. It's really normal and we sometimes think we are above the law just because we are Western. Just know that if you are attacked or raped then good luck with getting the guy or guys responsible into any trouble. You will most likely be in trouble and it won't be pretty.
Also, did you know that most people see rape as a sexual crime here and not one of violence? They think it only happens to younger more attractive girls so if you are an older woman then good luck with getting any sort of justice.
In the Western world we know that many senior citizens are subjected to the violent crime of rape because the perpetrator looks for an easy target. Someone who won't or can't fight back. A victim they can steal from and commit such a violent crime without any resistance. [Read about the notorious Delroy Grant "Night Stalker" from the UK here]
My Father taught me self-defense and how to use weapons from an early age. I remember when I first went off to University he sat me down and told me to remember what I was taught and to always be aware of my surroundings day and night. One thing that has always stuck in my mind is what he said about how critical your first reaction is when you are first attacked. To never let the attacker take you from point A to point B. That your survival rate plummets if the attacker can relocate you to another place. My Father looked me in the eyes and said you must fight till death and scream "fire" until you have nothing left. Usually an attacker will flee at any attempt of a strong resistance.
My advice to Western ladies in Kuwait: Remember where you are and that this is not the West. (Where you are more familiar with local laws and customs.) Only take a taxi from a driver you know. Your life is worth an extra wait at the mall for the driver that will take you safely home. Always know where you are and carry a working cell phone. Do not wear your iPod where you are distracted and do not know what's around you. Dress appropriately for a Muslim country no matter how many other women you see not doing so. This is a country that every woman and man gets constant attention from the opposite sex whether they are a two to a ten. Just try to dress on the safe side because what you were wearing when attacked does matter here. Never meet guys over the Internet unless it's a public place and you have a friend with you while other people know where you both went. Never Tweet, Blog or Instragram your current location. Never go on a boat or to the desert with guys you do not know and trust. Remember that unfortunately expat girls are often looked at as "easy" and "open" to anything so we may get approached more. Lock your apartment and never get in the elevator with strangers. I've even had an American man grab me in an elevator so you just never know. When driving alone always lock your door and do not look at men following you. If you are being followed in your car and approaching your apartment or house do not go there. Drive to a public place and call a friend or the police or both.
I could go on and on with advice but most of us know what to do. We just seem to get complacent in Kuwait because we feel safer here than the rest of the world minus the near death experiences while driving. Just remember that most rapes here go unreported and if reported there is most likely not a conviction. There are even payments of "blood money" from the criminal's family to the victims.
My question is: What do you do if you are raped in Kuwait? Of course you go to the hospital and report it to the police but are there any recovery or support programs? Are the criminals even convicted in most cases? According to the English newspapers in Kuwait it seems like they always get away with it....WASTA!
Disclaimer: I am not an expert on rape. For more information about this crime you can search the Internet or contact a local rape support group.
Silence on Rape Is the Biggest Obstacle to Prevention
Update on December 24, 2012:
Kuwaiti Freed in Rape Charge
Arab Times, December 24, 2012, Kuwait City [Link]: The Criminal Court acquitted a citizen of abducting a
9-year old boy with the intention of assaulting him sexually.
Earlier, the First Instance Court sentenced the citizen to one year in prison for the same allegation. According to the case file, the accused forced the boy to accompany him after asking the boy the direction to a neighbor’s house. After that, the accused took the boy to a dirty yard and tried to sexually assault him, but he was able to run away.
Attorney of the defendant Attorney Bashar Al-Nassar implored the court to acquit his client based on lack of evidences.
*** This is very common here where the rapist is freed due to lack of evidence or some say Wasta. So apparently another child rapist has been let go. One of many I've read about in the English Kuwait newspapers.
Fake Cop arrested for abducting & attempted rape on Asian woman [Link]
Update 9 MAR 2013 ~ I think the Kuwait Times reads my blog posts...;p Here is a similar article from them...
Rape: Why it is much more than a four letter word
Earlier, the First Instance Court sentenced the citizen to one year in prison for the same allegation. According to the case file, the accused forced the boy to accompany him after asking the boy the direction to a neighbor’s house. After that, the accused took the boy to a dirty yard and tried to sexually assault him, but he was able to run away.
Attorney of the defendant Attorney Bashar Al-Nassar implored the court to acquit his client based on lack of evidences.
*** This is very common here where the rapist is freed due to lack of evidence or some say Wasta. So apparently another child rapist has been let go. One of many I've read about in the English Kuwait newspapers.
Fake Cop arrested for abducting & attempted rape on Asian woman [Link]
Update 9 MAR 2013 ~ I think the Kuwait Times reads my blog posts...;p Here is a similar article from them...
Rape: Why it is much more than a four letter word
Amen! About time someone spoke out. I really hope the situation here improves. Why is it that the men (and some women I guess) are allowed to behave like animals and do whatever they want while the women have to suffer in silence for the sake of their "innocence"? It just sucks! Thank you for writing about this.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your positive response and support. :)
DeleteYou can get pepper spray in Staples in the US. I carry it.
ReplyDeleteI was followed home here (when I lived in the middle of Salmiya) about 10 years ago by an Arab man who appeared to be high on drugs. I made the mistake of going into my building. He left his car - open, with the lights on - in the middle of the street and ran after me. Pretty obvious he was going to try to rape me in the building entry way as he had his pants down to his knees. I decided I had to fight. Started punching him in the face, screaming, and kicking him in the private region. He ran away.
I called the police. They told me to go outside my building and wait for the police cruiser to arrive. OMG! Why? So dude could return and finish what he started?!
It happens here, ladies.
Thanks for sharing DG. Sounds like he received the @$$ whipping he deserved. LOL!
DeleteI'm not surprised at all about the local law enforcement's response. No wonder nobody reports it here and the number of cases are low.
I agree with you people should be aware about this kind of stuff but before you advise western women to remember that they are not in the west (like the west any better) you should read the rape statistics of the western countries like the US and UK cause numbers does not lie.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me but did you read the entire post? In order for there to be cases in Kuwait women have to actually report them. Most are never reported. In the West they are reported a lot more because of awareness, support and education.
DeleteI can speak for myself when I compare my experiences in the USA, Europe and Kuwait. I've been in much greater danger here as many men (both Expat and local) act like they are seeing a girl for the first time after escaping an all male prison. Chased to the house, stalked in the mall, run off the road, approached in parking lots, etc is the scary experience for most girls here.
When I warn Western girls that this isn't like the West it means that the laws and customs here are different. Victims are judged by what they wore when the incident took place. You are judged if you were drinking (since it's illegal) and if the man you are with is not your husband or immediate family member. The local law enforcement is not equipped to deal with most rape cases involving expat women. The men get away with the crime in most cases and re-offend.
Thanks so much for the advice... I wasn't aware that these Arab men were somehow protected by their "wasta" whatever that is..in fact I thought they prey on the "help" because they can threaten their job..at least that's what I've heard from the maids and other Filipina workers I know. In fact I even witnessed from my apartment window an Arab man harassing a Filipina that was only walking by...I witnessed the whole thing...he tried to get her attention as she walked by and after she ignored and kept walking trying to keep her distance.. he started yelling at her and then even started to go after her but she was pretty far out by then and he stopped following her as if he just didn't want to walk that far. The poor woman looked scared and all I could do is watch from the 15th floor. How would one go about calling the authorities here to report such a incident?...I know in America dialing 911 but not sure if it works the same way here. I will be more careful.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) Yes, they do prey on the help but then again it's any woman or man available. Especially easy targets.
DeleteThe emergency number here is: 112
I would be tempted to tell them FIRE so that maybe they get there faster or at all.
What really bothers me about this post is that this lady is clueless. Why didn't her company properly brief her on emergency numbers, what to do in case of this type of emergency, what are the local laws here, and what to do in different scenerios, if she is a foreigner working in Kuwait? Yes, we learn about this in the west, but I also feel strongly that if western companies are bringing western workers to work in such a country then they should be responsible for properly briefing their employees and they should not be part of the problem - think deeply about what I just said. This woman is fortunate that you have posted this subject on your blog and this is why these blogs are so important to read now for various reasons especially for information on living in Kuwait. I really wish that we could have a non-violent protest in the Mahboola area to highlight the high crime rate, but I do realize that foreigners are not allowed to protest or to speak out on social problems, but the high crime effects everyone and is a problem all over Kuwait and that is due to an inadequate police force. Further, from someone who has actually lobbied in Parliament for legal reforms in the labor laws facing foreign women working in Kuwait, as a western woman on her own initiative, I think that anything is possible in Kuwait. There needs to be an awareness campaign on the growing violence levels that women, all women face working in Kuwait and this is a broad effort on all levels from the MOI to the company level and it also involves taking the streets back from the prostitutes and pimps that are controlling the streets and driving the crime rates up in Kuwait.
DeleteI think that most Western contractor companies do have orientation briefs and training but most newbies are so overwhelmed and jetlagged that they absorb very little. I think Sexual Assault classes would be very beneficial so that Westerners working in Kuwait know what to do if they or anyone they know falls victim to an attack.
DeleteAmen to this post! Somehow a lone Asian woman on the street is always a "whore". Over the years I have learned that many woman out of panic tend to enter any building on their way assuming they would be safe there! which can be a perfect opportunity for offender to show up close and personal. Stay in public eye and scream. Don't care about what people would think, don't assume its just an eve teaser who will leave, no danger is ever a lesser danger.
ReplyDeleteThat is such excellent advice. Thanks beautiful!
DeleteThere's an even bigger problem of marital rape happening all the time everywhere. How do you crack that one?!
ReplyDeleteWell, for a start we open the lines of communication and talk about it.
DeleteI love your topic, it's interesting too, Ive done this topic in my research which I got A :D
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I've almost got kidnapped and raped mmm three time, not really but almost... my experience were
1st event... when I was 14 years old,I took my mom's car keys while she was in the restaurant... I was so excited that I begged my mom to drop the bags in the car, I loved car keys to show off that i drive and i was just 14 :P it was around 9pm.... I put all stuff inside the car then baam a jeep car where there are 4 boys inside, one keeps telling me to get inside, I was so calm but wasn't scared but shocked ! I knew that this is called kidnapping and rape since I watched too many rape movies in my early age and I learned things alot... so I wasn't screaming cause I thought that if I did, they might grab me into their car ... so the solution was... to get in the car, locked in and stay calm... after 3 minutes the boys were confused and left me...
second event, In my university, I parked my car really far... there was this a big black car, maybe GMC or something... I felt that the car is following my steps slowly and slowly, so I wasn't running nor using the phone, I was walking kinda slowly so I could reach to a security... once they saw me with a security... they vanished. phew...
Third event, I was travelling with girls alone this summer... I was in charge of everything, the hotel, the trips..so on.., at night, there were these two men, one is from pakistani or indian something "he's goodlooking though" and his friend maybe from Nigeria... they kept staring at me and girls... I noticed them but I tried not to look at their eyes... I felt scared cause after the mtr stopped, they were following us... I told the girls to stop which they were confused why? but I acted that we're lost something... I had to stop so these two men would get tired from standing and would feel awkward if people notice that they are waiting for us and looking at us and following too... I wanted them to feel awkward... after 5 or 6 mins they left for good, they got tired... and we left the metro... walking in the street and went back hotel safely. phew...
It's really scary to be followed!
Thanks for sharing! You did the smartest thing which was to listen to your gut (women's intuition). I always get into trouble when I ignore my true feelings.
DeleteI've had a few Kuwaiti girls email me about the post but they didn't want to comment which I understand.
welcome dear, just stay strong ladies and stay calm it's a good solution not the best though... never ignore your true feelings girrl!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why some kuwaiti girls find it really embarrassing to share such thing.. well let's hope not from the family members which some of them faced these problems so kinda secret to share "thank god I have never faced these problems, so yes I never been raped thank you lord"..
in my freshman year, I made a research and it says that the rape case in Qatar is #1 than the rest of middle east... some being harassed or raped by family member...ex, uncles...etc
Honestly Pauline you are the bravest Kuwaiti female blogger I know. You just write what you're thinking and feeling and never seem afraid to voice your opinion. You're a strong woman with intelligence and even a bit of a naughty side. (Your Instagram cracks me up!) Thanks for being brave enough to speak out. Love ya! :)
DeleteI know I tweeted congratulating your braveness in blogging about a topic that is taboo to most. Especially in a society dominated by men. But we need to be more open about this topic and know that its never the victims fault. To the victims, the pain never goes away. Years later another trauma unrelated to being rape could bring it all back again, flooding your mind with memories you thought was successfully buried. Having an open communication is key. This happens everywhere, yes the numbers in the US is higher than in Kuwait because the women here didn't hide nor did they remain silent. By facing the accuser, the victim saved another woman from experiencing the same. Thank you for posting it and by doing so, you most likely saved someone out there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being so supportive. I find that in your most difficult time you are still positive and uplifting. I really admire you. You're a strong woman.
DeleteThe forward path I should think is to get law enforcement officers deployed at taxi ranks in the Avenues and 360 Mall, for a start and to register the cabbie no and driver details together with the destination address for all cabbie pick ups from the Airport, the Avenues and 360. Of course, the cops don't need to waste their time on this activity: it can be managed by the mall operators as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
ReplyDeleteThe other essential is to encourage the use of taxis by local women: no sane taxi driver would ever want to mess around with them and as you get more of posh local women; the Jabriya Janes and the South Surra Sallys to start using taxis the taxi driver behavior in the country will see an about face. Plus, for the ladies it will mean greater flexibility and freedom from their usual family driver- they can be anywhere they want to be without their help tagging along and besides saving them the bother of having to finding a spot to park in. Breaking the nexus between KWPD and the Bangladeshi mafia in the country is the real challenge which won't be happening anytime soon.
It will be a worthwhile social experiment for students at KU, AUK, AUM or GUST to monitor the season of violent crimes and rapes in Kuwait to a larger segregationist trend which eclipses progress in this country. By that metric, the tribals, the literalists, hardliners and other such seggregationist rifraffs are the architects of violent crimes and rape against women and indeed, the epidemic of osteoporosis that has been thrust on the women of Kuwait post the liberation of Kuwait.
Education and awareness is what I believe should take place now along with real hard time for rapists and not just a slap on the hand. If they do the crime then they must do the hard time. That goes for the USA as well. I firmly believe that a rapist or child molester should never be let out of prison. They always re-offend and hurt more victims.
DeleteSegregationist rifraffs?:)I hate to bust your bubble, but the Jabriya Janes nor South Surra Sallys ain't gettin' in a filthy dirty taxi in Kuwait anytime soon! The solution to the taxi's is for the taxi companies to be more regulated by the government, but then most of the country needs to be overhauled. Bangladeshi's would be banned from my country, I have never seen such a corrupt labour force. But bottom-line is this....to allow poverty-stricken people from the sub-continent, some without a basic education to run corrupt business practices, such as prostitution, human trafficking, forgery, and theft touting their illegal practices under the noses of the authorites, all the whilst believing that they are smarter than the authorites, only the authorites are the blame and the ganeral public suffers from government incompetence.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure not all Bangladeshis are bad but the ones that are should be deported and not allowed to commit crimes in their host country.
DeleteYesterday my son called me and told me that he decided to go down from his school in Salmiya and get a Subway sandwich which is located near the Volume Cafe which is a shisha cafe. He was wondering why there were all these women walking around and fancy cars pulling up to talk to these women then he realized what was going on - they were all hookers, in broad day light soliciting customers openly and there were grey police cars watching who are purportedly the vice police and were doing nothing, this is Kuwait today. Shameful!
ReplyDeleteI think I read about that place in another blog. I am always shocked to see how open they are about doing it here when it's such a strict country.
DeleteA Very insightful blog, with good advice for the expat and Kuwaiti. Unfortunately, until the government takes a stand and starts educating the public (little happens "grass roots" wise here) the issue won't be considered. I mean domestic violence (which has a lot to do with rape) has only recently come into public view with those public service commercials seen on TV. (The one with the father thrashing things and accidentally wounding his son fatally) I hope people wake up to this horrible truth about life in Kuwait. I love Kuwait, and am proud of it, but that doesn't mean we should close our eyes to where it needs (drastic) improvements.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I'd like to see your thoughts on Shariya al-Hob "Love Street" as the Gulf Road is called. Just another one of those strange things about Kuwait... For a touchy-feely society (men holding hands in the street, greetings with kisses etc) we really need to work on the whole "sex is natural" and "genders are equal" thing.
The "comment as" section won't take my blog, and I don't like being anonymous. You can find me at wordsacrossborders.wordpress.com
I love Kuwait as well but if someone commits an unspeakable crime they should pay for it by prison time and not blood money. According to the local English newspapers too many rapists get away with it here.
DeleteWhat bothers me the most is that I don't htink the authorities handle these situations very seriously. Will the rapists be jailed for life? My hunch is they let them go after a night or two
ReplyDelete@ anonymous ranting about hating to bust my bubble etc.....heehheehe.
ReplyDeletePeace :)
One cannot perpetually continue sitting on a high horse implying they are God's gift to earth anymore. Whereas the Jabriya Janes and South Surra Sallys may consider it beneath them to use the taxi service in Kwt I am positive the Dahiyat Abdalla Salam Deanes' wouldn't mind for they are the ones who would know not just the cost of everything but even more importantly, the price of everything in life.
If the gentry suddenly gets more involved using public transportation and taxi service, there is only one way these services will go - up up and upward. The choice is theirs if they truly consider Kuwait to be their nation with its public transportation and taxi service as one package rather than an encumberance thrust upon them by a labor workforce.
hahahaha expatiiii you're so adorable when you complement me, I'd like to say please please im not that brave but i just smile and speechless looool u made me shy giirrrl :** ssshhh don't let anyone know this :Pp thank you for telling me your opinion about me, what's to live without honesty, please keep on posting, you're my number one favorite blogger eveeeeeer and I mean it, hope ur doing well sweetie
ReplyDeleteps: love yaaa:**
ReplyDeleteAwww, you are such a doll! Thank you sweetheart! :*** Love u more. xoxo
DeleteI knew a Korean girl that was raped by an American G.I. and I know how devastating it can be.
ReplyDeleteit is hard to know who to trust even in your own country.
even where they don't tend to blame the woman - there was the notion that she should not have been alone with a soldier and was almost "asking for it" which is ridiculous.
on a later occasion I was the one who came to her rescue but you can't count on anyone stopping to help.
hopefully someone will read your wonderful article and learn something
Hi Jim. Thank you for your comment. I'm sorry to hear what happened to your friend. I hope the guy rots in jail.
DeleteMilitary personnel being punished are rare.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't even a law that puts military men on a sex offenders list so if they are convicted when they leave the service there is no way to know.
I only saw the airfield during Desert Storm so I can't really talk about Kuwait.
That's terrible! I had no idea. There are even attempted rape, rape and assaults that take place on the US Camps in Kuwait.
DeleteHi there , i have couple of , or rather put this way , i have buckets of incidences where men on men flirting or harassing happens!...well i am from Asian country , during brief period i stayed at my brothers place ...yes i am into guys but that doesn't mean its an open invitation for all men here,i noticed i was chased by many Kuwaiti teens n guys aged between 18 to 25 for sex, sometimes directly asking to bed me , or following till home , waiting for hours, the moment u step out, if u r good looking or meat for them then u had it! they will chase u n follow or harass, and overall all Arabs of any nationality will die for having 2 minutes chewing gum fun!
ReplyDeletethey come up with most hilarious talks, for eg:) some guy i mean expat from Saudi told me in broken English that he has lot of problem as his wife is far! he cannot get peaceful sleep, i mean if i have to give all details it would be comedy circus!
on serious note young Arab men are great nuisance, many of them are only n only looking for sex and Asians n domestic helps, gays and transsexuals are easy prey! so only d solution is to be in group, and not giving out cell number avoiding cat call, be constantly alert !
Thank you for sharing your story and I'm sorry this happens to you. This may be shocking to some but I have heard the same thing from Filipino American guys that worked on the US Camps. They had the same experiences here. Very scary so please stay safe and try to always have a friend with you for protection in numbers.
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