Cat in the Gulf: Sex offenders in Qatar

My friend was attacked at the Centre parking today by a pervert who then chased her in the car all the way to her office. She called me from the safety of her office building, in tears. I was so angry! What makes men do that to girls? What kind of sick satisfaction can they get out of it? She reported the incident to the police and hopefully they will catch and deal with this man according to the law here, which is way better when it comes to punishing criminals and sex offenders than our laws in the West. At least here the judge won't listen to the perv's lawyer saying how the perv was sexually abused as a child, how he has a hard time making it here in Qatar and how he therefore needs love and care instead of punishment. Love and care, my FOOT! Lashes and "time" and a fine and deportation, I say. I got even angrier when she told me that according to the police, exact same thing had happened at the exact same place a day before!

Girls, if you are in such situation, don't freak out. If you are in or near your car - get in, lock the doors from inside, drive to the busy area and call a friend. If you are outside - run to the first available shop/office, and alert the security or call a friend. I assume that if you are anywhere in the Middle East you won't be standing outside far from your car and NOT in the vicinity of any public buildings. Do not under any circumstances drive home, or to your office, or to your friend's house so as to not give the attacker any information where you live, work, etc. If you know a police station - drive straight there. Note the attacker's car licence and write it down, key it in your mobile or ask a friend on the phone to write it down. It always helps to call someone. I wish my friend called me from her car instead of driving to her office! The attackers thrive on the victim's fear and shock and if they see that they aren't succeeding at scaring the victim they usually back off, especially here.

I know it's easy to say "Shout, alert people around you" but it's much easier said than done. I know that I couldn't shout to save my life. When a similar thing happened to me (ok so it wasn't THAT bad, but still...) all I had to do was wave my phone in front of the man and tell him that I am going to call the police. It worked.

Be wise, be careful. I know that Qatar is a safe country, as is GCC area in general, but things happen. Think Western, think street smart. Have an emergency/police number stored in your phone. It's much easier to find it in the contact list than remember the number when you are in such situation. Don't freak out and panic. It's easier to attack someone who's in a state of a shock than someone who fights back. Never, ever give in! Resistance drives the attacker away.

And if something like this happens to you - try to remember as many details as you can, and always, ALWAYS report it to the police. A lot of girls feel shy and embarrased to talk about it, but there is nothing to be ashamed of. The attackers should be ashamed (lashed, castrated, imprisoned, executed, etc), and NOT YOU! If you don't report, the pervert will go on attacking other girls.

Another thing: here in the Middle East be prepared to be questioned by the police and answer all sorts of weird questions. My friend was asked whether she is single or married, and as she is single the police officer wondered how she knew what penis looked like! Be polite and answer the questions as they come without getting agitated and hostile. I know it's not easy given the circumstances, but the police are there to help you and since you are in this country you will therefore have to deal with the cultural differences.

I hope nothing like this will happen to you or anyone else. I also hope that if it does you will be alert and smart and if we all start fighting back - these pervs will think twice before messing with us, girls!