Safety Minister Paula Cox to speak on the issue in the House of Assembly on Friday.

She said although there had been 12 attacks on women since late August, the number of sexual assaults overall this year was down in comparison to last year.

The Royal Gazette has reported on an alarming number of incidents during recent weeks where women have been viciously attacked across the Island by men.

Ms Cox told the House of Assembly: "Although there may have been a recent and widely publicised increase in the number of sexual assaults, this year's figures are actually below those recorded for this point in 1999.

"Not all of these attacks have been of a sexual nature, although those of a sexual nature have, perhaps understandably, evoked particular concern and outrage in the community.

"I wish to report that of the 12 attacks against females that have occurred since late August, 2000, eight have had evidence of a sexual motivation.

"Of the remaining four cases, robbery or theft appeared to be the principal motive in three cases, while the remaining case was recorded as an assault that was not sexual in nature.'' She said of these 12 cases, two were before the courts; one is before the Director of Public Prosecutions for review; one case resulted in the issuance of a caution; six cases remain under active investigation, with suspects having been interviewed in two of them; and enquiries with respect to the two remaining cases are still at a very delicate phase as complainants' intentions are being reviewed.

Earlier this week, The Royal Gazette printed pleas from The Women's Resource Centre and the United Bermuda Party for mace or pepper spray to be legalised so women could carry it as a means of protection.

But Ms Cox warned against it.

She added: "I am obliged to remind members of the public that these items are currently prohibited by virtue of Section Two of the Firearms Act 1973.

"I emphasise, therefore, that the use of these items as protective agents is illegal in Bermuda, the recommendations of some members of the public notwithstanding.

"However, in an effort to provide assistance to female members of the community, in particular, the Bermuda Police Service and The Women's Resource Centre have given joint crime prevention advice through the local media.''