To answer the question directly. No. there is no protection... they can dump one single share into the lower buy side and thats the price.... with that said in a bull market, all that will get you is one less share as the market keep moving up.
You'll see it alot everyone, 1 share here, 12 shares there... its just manipulation mate... been around as long as the market.
AVZ Price at posting:
22.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held