A Little Self Protection

[Rachel Renee]

As I approach a new chapter in my life that involves being out and about, I was wondering how many girls here carry non-lethal protection in case of an encounter with a trouble maker. I know that I'll likely never need to use it, but better safe than sorry. I was thinking about a small can of pepper spray or something that I could easily keep in my purse.

Thoughts?

[Cynthia Anne]

I think you may be supprise how many carry something on that order! Myself however I still have a keen eye for trouble! Hugs!

[Kate Simmons]

As Cynthia Anne suggested, keeping abreast of the situation and your surroundings is probably really the best defense. I rely mostly on my instincts and intuition(and common sense) for this.:)

[Katesback]

I have a license and I carry something between my boobs. Nobody can even see it and it is NOT a knife. Of course I jogg, I ride my bike, and I am outside a lot. Guys are very predictable and have a number of times tried to pick me up. Hence the reason for carrying.

[Cheryl T]

I just keep my keys handy. You'd be amazed at what damage they can do in a pinch.
The only other thing is keeping my eyes open for situations and avoiding areas that could be problematic.

[JessHaust]

Rachel,
Sweetie, just make sure and go out with Amanda from our group. She's Ex Marine and all the protection a girl could want!

[GBJoker]

I carry around an Eskrima stick no matter where I go, dressed or not. Great if one practices Eskrima, horrible otherwise.

And just to really nail a point through your head, and to repeat for the millionth time what others have already said; Awareness of your surrondings is actually the best weapon you can have. To quote from my Japanese self-defense/judo instructor, "Avoiding fights will keep you alive longer than winning fights."

[DonnaT]

I don't carry anything, but the hands at the end of my arms ;)

Just avoid places where trouble could erupt. And know the law wherever you are. For example, Texas (http://chadwestlaw.com/criminal-defense-law/self-defense-laws-of-texas/).

Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states (http://www.misdefenseproducts.com/Pepper-Spray-Laws-Restrictions-sp-6.html), but many have added restrictions.


Texas Codes (http://law.onecle.com/texas/penal/46.05.00.html)
§ 46.05. PROHIBITED WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an
offense if he intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures,
transports, repairs, or sells:
(1) an explosive weapon;
(2) a machine gun;
(3) a short-barrel firearm;
(4) a firearm silencer;
(5) a switchblade knife;
(6) knuckles;
(7) armor-piercing ammunition;
(8) a chemical dispensing device; or
(9) a zip gun.


§ 46.01. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(14) "Chemical dispensing device" means a device, other than a small chemical dispenser sold commercially for personal protection, that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of dispensing a substance capable of causing an adverse psychological or physiological effect on a human being.

[Julia_in_Pa]

I have a CCW permit to carry " things " that are lethal and I do.
It's carried in the small of my back.


Julia

[Karren H]

Not unless a spray of Obsession will bring someone down!

[Eryn]

I think that it's more prudent to take my walks on the wild side in less dangerous surroundings. It just doesn't seem terribly feminine to go about armed to the teeth.

Unless a person is willing to keep their weapon in hand at all times it won't be effective and the false security it gives might prompt that person to go places they shouldn't.

[RADER]

My dad always said, if you need protection, Get a big dog.
You would be surprised on how people are afraid of a big dog.
And you can't out run the dog, and its nose will find you every time.
Rader

[sissystephanie]

I have never carried anything to stop that kind of a problem. However, with the knowledge that I have, anyone who thinks of trying to do something to me is going to be in a lot of hurt! I am not very big, but I can be very mean and deadly! That is the way I was trained!! I have carried, and used, weapons in other parts of my life but don't feel the need now. The right kind of look will turn a man away!!

[STACY B]

Ohhhhh my eyes ,,,,,, Do like me ,,Practise running an screaming like a girl ,,,, Helppppp ,, RUN,,,,FORREST ,,,RUN,, Stop chasing me I have flip flops onnnnn

[Ineke Vashon]

I've been told, but have no experience with, that wasp spray can be as big an irritant as pepper spray, and projects as far as a can of spray. So, if I meet a 6ft, 235 lbs Wasp ......

ps: I mean the insect of course, not the old acronym for White Anglo Saxon Protestant.

Ineke

[Princess Chantal]

Eventhough I live in a city that had reigned numerous times as the murder capital of Canada, I have no need or thoughts of carrying "protection". I have no fighting instincts or physically able to handle myself. However, I don't let fear succumb me.

[ArleneRaquel]

No protection here! :o:eek:

[Rachel Renee]

I am really good about being aware of my surroundings. I have been accused of having eyes in the back of my head, too. I have no intention of strolling about the shadier spots of Dallas, especially by myself. Momma didn't raise no fool. I just know that things can happen anywhere. You don't necessarily need to be wandering dangerous areas alone.

I guess if it comes down to it, I'll just handle it like I would in guy mode: Pop 'em square in the nose, throw a shoe at them, then run away screaming WOOPWOOPWOOPWOOPWOOPWOOP! Dare ya to mess with me after that.

[Karen1947]

Rachel,
Sweetie, just make sure and go out with Amanda from our group. She's Ex Marine and all the protection a girl could want!
I am a former Marine so I think I will be okay. ( an ex marine is a dead marine)

[Launa]

I've been in martial arts for many years so I don't worry a lot about packing anything extra, I just use my stare if I need it. What worries me the most is if you get into a altercation with someone, you defend yourself then the cops show up and arrest everybody and you get written up in the local paper as the CD that got into a fight... Its a fear of mine because its my nature not to back down "too much" in public if someone were to start giving me a hard time.

[docrobbysherry]

OF COURSE, Rachel! When I'm out dressed, I carry a DEADLY WEAPON with me at all times! It's been known to KILL at over 100' away!

MY NATURAL FACE!

[Rachel Renee]

"Avoiding fights will keep you alive longer than winning fights."
Very wise words. This is definitely one of the tenets that I live my life by.

[rachellegsep]

Its better to just walk away however if it really comes down to self preservation I love the portable flame thrower myself (aerosol & a lighter) really gets someones attention. As mentioned keys and a spike handle comb also work well. Really though just the sound of a high voltage electric zapper (some look like a cell phone) deters most people. Something I read a while back about a study done in Europe about woman rape prevention was not to shout rape as many would ignore the pleas for help not wanting to get involved. The suggested rather shout fire as people where more likely to take note and come outside to see where it is as it might be affecting them.

[thechic]

I dont carry any protection except a cell phone. i only go out in areas where there are pleanty of people,places that are well lit and If i go out at night it iswith a group of friends or with an escort only,dont like weapons.

[Roxie X]

Wow :eek:
What shameful world we have created that we feel we have to carry anything at all !
Stunning looks should be enough, :daydreaming:
Fighting has never solved anything.
I am glad I will be a stay at home girl.

Roxie
:kiss:

[Lyric]

I don't carry any designated weapons, but I always have things that would serve the purpose if needed. I've had considerable martial arts training and would suggest all ladies here take at least a self defense course sometime. However, I've never even come close to needing to do any such thing because I'm super careful about when and where I go out. For instance, I'm not a nightlife person at all. Most of my outings are on weekdays. I rarely go downtown and pretty much never to "shady" areas of town. I know it's boring, but I think it's a small price to pay.

Lyric

[Cristi]

Though I live in a state where concealed carry is perfectly legal, I don't see any advantage to carrying 'lethal force' when I can't imagine a situation where just pepper spray would be enough.

If you spray somebody, the worst that can happen in some questioning from the police. If you shoot and kill somebody and the courts don't agree that it was justified, then you may be looking at the rest of your life in prison. That is NOT a risk I want to take when non-lethal alternatives are readily available.

Two Christmases ago, I bought my wife a small pepper spray (about the size of a large magic marker pen) since she spends a lot of time walking/hiking on her own. At the same time, I bought one for myself to keep in my purse. If I'm out for a longer walk dressed, I'll move it from my purse to my jacket pocket so it is handy... 'just in case'.

[HannahF6]

Well, I have a dispenser of sarcasm that is pretty lethal. I'd not consider anything else.

Hannah

[PetiteDuality]

I have a license and I carry something between my boobs. Nobody can even see it and it is NOT a knife. Of course I jogg, I ride my bike, and I am outside a lot. Guys are very predictable and have a number of times tried to pick me up. Hence the reason for carrying.

Can't you just say "no thanks!"...

I thought that carrying posts were not allowed any longer in this forum

[Lorileah]

I don;t know where you all are going out at but if you are that concerned I would quit going there. Most the time the "protection" will be in a difficult place to get when trouble hits and if you use it indiscriminately (you really will have to prove threat when you are arrested for assault) you will be arrested also. Proving threat is difficult in spite of recent headlines.

Also NICE way to TRY and get around the FAC rules :brolleyes:

[Rachel Renee]

Also NICE way to TRY and get around the FAC rules :brolleyes:
It certainly wasn't my intention to circumvent any forum rules. If I did, hopefully a moderator will let me know.

I understand the common sense approach of "if it's dangerous, don't go there", but I'd like to site an example. About six years ago, my girlfriend was out walking the dog in our nice, suburban neighborhood at around 10 am on New Year's Day. Three men pull up to her and pull a gun, demanding everything she had, including the dog. Well, the dog wanted no part of this and lunged at the attackers, biting the one with the gun. They took off. Now, my GF never carried and sort of countermeasures, jogged the same streets regularly, by herself, and if she hadn't had our little pit bull wannabe with her, well she didn't like to think about what could have gone down.

All I'm saying is that a desire to be safe, anywhere, is not indicative of a lack of common sense. When we are out, we may seem like easy targets to some. I don't want to be a statistic. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and input.

I'll show myself out. :bonk: