Personal Safety Tools
According to a 2019 national study on sexual assault by Stop Street Harassment and the University of California San Diego Center on Gender Equity and Health (GEH), 81% of US women have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault. According to RAINN, there are 463,634 victims of rape and sexual assault each year, and 1 in 6 American women have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
According to ncadv.org, 19.3 million women and 5.1 million men in the United States have been stalked in their lifetime.
Photo by Anastase Maragos on Unsplash
I took a self-defense class one semester in college after my friend and I were attacked by a guy with a knife. We got away that night, thanks to being athletes and running faster than him. However, we were traumatized and wanted to know how to defend ourselves better.
The coach wanted to make a point to all the female participants in the first class. He chose me (one of the tallest, most athletic girls) and one of the tiniest guys in the group to fight. Do you think I held my own? Maybe he even kicked his ass? Well…not quite. He pinned me down to the mat in 5 seconds and climbed on top, and there was absolutely nothing I could have done. Men are stronger than women physically. Our coach told me that when a guy with intense adrenaline and intent to cause harm goes after you…there is nothing you can do other than run, scream, or use tools to defend yourself.
So, instead of the self-defense class, I went to the hunting store and bought myself a pepper spray! Our self-defense coach warned us about getting a knife or other dangerous weapons, as the attacker can use his force, take the weapon from you, and use it against you. However, there are many other tools available in today’s market. I researched the best tools available, and here is my list.
BEST SELF-DEFENCE TOOLS
BIRDIE
The most popular item right now on social media. It has become the staple gift women give each other. And honestly, why not? I have one in my closet right now. It comes in all kinds of cute colors.
About this item
When threatened, activate Birdie's LOUD siren and flashing strobe light to create a diversion and to help deter an attack.
Birdie’s modern design is easy to use. To activate, remove the top pin, and to deactivate, replace it. The alarm can be used multiple times. The batteries are replaceable and last 40 continuous minutes.
Safety-First! Carry Birdie from day to night––around town, walking your dog, on the trails, across campus, to your car, in the parking lot, on public transportation, when traveling.
$23.96 BUY HERE
2. SABRE RUNNER PEPPER GEL
You don’t need to be a runner to appreciate this lightweight, stylish pepper spray option. I have a couple of them, as they are my preferred option for the comfortable strap for running or quick access. Again, it comes in cute colors, and it is super affordable.
About this item
SABRE is the #1 Pepper Spray brand, a trusted choice of police and consumers worldwide, including prestigious organizations like New York PD, Chicago PD, and U.S. Marshals.
2X STRONGER: 4 out 10 violent crimes involve alcohol use by the offender - our max strength Pepper Gel is strong enough to use against a goal-oriented attacker under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Backed by our industry-exclusive in-house HPLC lab
5X MORE PROTECTION: 42% of crimes are committed by multiple assailants - this pepper gel has 35 bursts to protect against numerous threats; gel does not atomize like traditional spray & deploys in a powerful stream while virtually eliminating wind blowback
$9.98 BUY HERE
3. SABRE PEPPER SPRAY AND STUN GUN. 2-IN-1 DESIGN
I am usually not a fan of 2in1 of anything, but it is never too much when it comes to personal safety. I have not tried this personally, but it has great reviews on Amazon, and Sabre is a trusted company for personal safety tools.
About this item
The SABRE Pepper Spray has a long, 10-foot (3-meter) range for protection at a safe distance and contains 25 bursts (5x the competition) for protection against multiple threats. UV marking dye helps the authorities identify an attacker after they’re sprayed.
An ergonomic finger grip helps improve your aim and gives you more control while using your pepper spray.
A Fast Flip Top safety prevents an accidental discharge in your purse or bag. The included key ring attachment easily slides onto keys for quick access to your protection if needed.
For protection up close, the SABRE Stun Gun delivers a 1.60 µC (microcoulombs) charge, helping to temporarily incapacitate an attacker by causing intolerable pain according to the Department of Justice (DOJ), allowing you to escape to safety.
$19.96 BUY HERE
4. MY KITTY KEYCHAIN
If you don’t want to carry around a pepper spray or a taser, this one might pique your interest. An actual keychain shaped like a kitty that can be used as an effective weapon. Wow. It’s affordable, and can easily be carried around on your keychain. However, with this tool, you would have to be in extreme proximity to your attacker, and I hope you never have to be in that situation.
About this item
Experts used to tell you to place your keys between your fingers and punch if you were to get attacked, and now there are even easier methods. The Pink My Kitty keychain accessory is readily available to simply slip your fingers through and deliver a devastating blow to your assailant for self-defense.
It has two pointed ears, giving it that extra power to stop an attacker from harming you. The My Kitty is stylish, compact, and lightweight making the tool very easy to use and carry.
$9.99 BUY HERE
5. SELF-DEFENCE RINGS
Now, we are getting into the territory of fashion. I love it! Beautiful accessory, and it could save your life. Another simple tool to carry with you at all times. However, you have to be careful not to hurt yourself or your friends by accident. It looks quite sharp. You can choose between a ready-design ring or a concealed self-defense ring. They come in different colors and designs.
About this item
Minimalist Rings are the original self-defense ring created by Defender Ring, known for its hidden blade and thread mechanism allowing for the concealment and quick arming of the weapon.
Minimalist Rings feature a 5 mm concealed blade weapon with sharp grinded edges and a pointed tip.
Defensive Abilities. Stay armed with a sharp blade weapon that can help you fight off an attacker by ripping their skin, inflicting pain, and collecting their DNA.
Maximalist Rings are the most powerful self-defense rings created by Defender Ring featuring large hidden knife weapons, and capable of incapacitating an attacker in self-defense.
Maximalist Rings feature a 10 mm concealed weapon with a serrated or straight blade.
Ultimate Protection. Equipped with large, sharp 10 mm blade weapons, our Maximalist rings can protect you in a life or death situation by inflicting significant damage to an attacker.
From $45-$145 BUY HERE
6. NIGHTCAP THE ORIGINAL DRINK COVER SCRUNCHY
I wrote an article about the reality of drink spiking. It is more widespread than you might think, and it is extremely important to protect yourself from getting drugged! Read the article, and then buy this scrunchy to enjoy safer parties.
About this item
Nightcap is a patented drink-spiking prevention scrunchie -- it covers cups and glasses to prevent pills and powders from being dropped into a drink. A fun solution to a serious problem, As Seen on Shark Tank.
How it Works - Simply wear on your wrist or in your hair. When needed, pull the drink cover out of the hidden, sanitary pocket inside of the scrunchie. Place the cover over your drink, pop in a straw, and enjoy! An ideal gift for college students.
Keep Bugs and Debris Out of Your Drink - Designed to prevent drink spiking, it also protects your drink from bugs and nasty particles. Made from nylon/spandex allowing it to stretch to fit most cups and glasses. Available in cute colors (black, pink, purple, teal).
$9.99 BUY HERE
7. GOOD PHYSICAL SHAPE & AWARENESS
I’m not kidding. These are probably the most essential tools a female can possess to avoid or escape life-threatening situations. The night we were attacked, we got away because we were in good physical shape and ran faster than the attacker.
Take care of your body. Eat well, train. Take martial arts classes and boxing lessons, run, improve your mile time, and keep a healthy weight. Yes, men are stronger, but we can be faster and more fit.
Another crucial thing to stay safe in our youth is awareness. Unfortunately, bad things do happen, especially to young girls. I have been drugged, attacked by a guy with a knife, and almost kidnapped. And that’s just me.
You have to be in a condition where you can exit a dangerous situation or find help. When you go out to parties (especially house parties with the highest drink-spiking rates), to a friend’s house, to a public place…DO NOT GET WASTED. Don’t accept drugs or drinks from strangers. Do not leave your drink unattended for even one second. Don’t rely on your friends to watch for you or your drink. Ultimately, we are alone in watching out for ourselves.
It does not matter what type of self-defense tool you have in your bag or on your keychain if you are too drunk to use it. Or if you’re passed out from being drugged or doing too many drugs yourself.
I partied a lot, and I still love to go out, but through experience, I learned that real life can happen to anyone, and it is up to me to keep myself safe and still have the best time. A good night out should be a memory to cherish, not one to forget the following day. I wrote an article on how to party safely. Read the article, and then go have fun, and create memories with your friends, while staying safe.
