Two videos surfaced recently that attempted to highlight how women are “mistreated” in the United States. One of them was an outrageous clip of elementary school aged girls who were coached by adults to say the f-word and make obscene gestures into the camera. The second video showed a woman (who appeared to have been stricken mute) who walked grimly down the streets of New York City while “surviving” a gauntlet of men, many of whom had the utter audacity to say hello to her or tell her she was pretty. (The horror!)
Both of these videos were misguided attempts to bring attention to violence against women and gender inequality. Somehow, these videos were said to empower women.
We think that women can empower themselves in ways that don’t include teaching little girls to cuss or rudely ignoring people who give them a compliment. One point we must concede to the makers of those ill-conceived videos is that women are more likely to be raped than men.
The Department of Justice says that 90% of rape victims are women, and that 1 out of 6 women in America will be raped during her lifetime.
If we’d like to see these numbers reduced, then women need to stop crying to the government to save them with more legislation. Instead, they need to take control of the situation by preparing to defend themselves. Making more laws won’t solve the problem. It’s simple: rapists are criminals, and criminals are people who break the laws. Therefore, as usual, extra laws would only affect people who were unlikely to commit the crime in the first place.
At The Daily Sheeple, we believe that an armed woman is a safer woman. (Because, you know, nothing says equality like pulling out a 9mm.)
However, not everyone is willing or able to carry a gun. In some states it isn’t legal. There are some people who are uncomfortable with the idea of it. Even if you do have a concealed carry permit, there are establishments where you aren’t allowed to bring your firearm.
This doesn’t mean that a person has to be defenseless, however.
In a collaborative effort, we put together a list of personal protection resources. Here is our guide to taking control of your own personal safety – real empowerment comes from taking care of yourself.
The Gift of Fear and Other Survival Signals that Protect Us From Violence
Are you surprised the first thing on the list is a book? No, we don’t expect you to hit an attacker with it. (After all, this one is a paperback, so it wouldn’t hurt much.) This book discusses honing your instincts. The author, Gavin de Becker, is an expert in threat evaluation. He teaches you to listen to that little voice inside that warns you something is wrong. All of the weapons in the world won’t help you if you don’t know when to use them.
“In this empowering book, Gavin de Becker, the man Oprah Winfrey calls the nation’s leading expert on violent behavior, shows you how to spot even subtle signs of danger—before it’s too late. Shattering the myth that most violent acts are unpredictable, de Becker, whose clients include top Hollywood stars and government agencies, offers specific ways to protect yourself and those you love, including…how to act when approached by a stranger…when you should fear someone close to you…what to do if you are being stalked…how to uncover the source of anonymous threats or phone calls…the biggest mistake you can make with a threatening person…and more. Learn to spot the danger signals others miss. It might just save your life.” (via Amazon)
SABRE RED Pepper Gel
You’ve probably heard of pepper spray, but pepper gel may be a better option. Why? We’re glad you asked. It has an 18′ range and is less likely to be affected by wind. What’s more, the gel clings to the attacker’s skin, unlike pepper spray. Sabre is a trusted brand, used by police forces across the country.
Hey, if it’s good enough to inflict police brutality with, it’s good enough to fend off an attacker, right?
Stun Gun Blast Knuckles
Talk about packing a real punch – this little gadget fits over your knuckles and delivers a blast of 950,000 volts. It’s perfect for runners or that dark walk out to your vehicle.
“This stun gun taser was designed to be a self-defense weapon for the active person and fits perfect in you hand for a firm grip. Carry it on you by fitting it around your hand and have it handy when you need it. Its contoured rubber-coated pink action grip handle prevents the stun gun from slipping out of your hands, allowing you to maintain a firm hold even during an attack. The safety switch is easily turned on with your thumb for fast activation. The unit also comes with a red LED light to notify you when the charge is on and help prevent accidental use.”
Safety Cat Keychain
If you happen to be a criminal, these keychains would bring a whole new meaning to “crazy cat lady”. However, if you are the person holding this keychain, you’ll be striking a blow that won’t soon be forgotten.
“The Safety Cat is a self defense, personal protection tool designed mainly for women. As women we are told for safety reasons to have our keys in our hands as we go to and from our cars. Many of us even hold our keys between our fingers walking through parking lots or out doing errands so we will be able to fight off an attacker. Unfortunately, that can be cumbersome and awkward. If you’re in the position of fighting off an attacker the keys may shift in your hand making it difficult for the fight to continue. The Safety Cat self defense keychain will eliminate this problem. When holding the Safety Cat, your two fingers will be placed in the eyes of the cat and the face of the cat will rest securely in the palm of your hand. The smooth, sleek design of the Safety Cat will feel very comfortable in your hand and you will be able to grasp it firmly. Remember, the Safety Cat is used for self defense purposes only, but if you’re fighting for your life the unique design of the Safety Cat is made for striking at the eyes of your attacker or attacking any fleshy part of the body.”
Ruger 3-way Ultra System
Not only does this system shoot pepper spray 15 feet into an attacker’s face, it blinds them with a bright light and deploys a shrill siren to bring attention to your plight. Ruger is a trusted brand in personal safety. This device comes apart easily so that the pepper spray canister can be replaced. The 3-way Ultra system has these features:
- 125 Decibel Alarm Screams for attention even if you can’t.
- Bright Strobe Light confuses attackers and gives you a chance to get away.
- Powerful Pepper Spray-sprays up to 15 feet with 2 million Scoville heat units of law enforcement-strength stopping power.
- Speed Release-All of these features activate in less than one second.
Personal Defense for Women
What? Another book? YES. Knowing in advance what you’ll do if you are attacked helps you act quickly and decisively. Those precious seconds can mean the difference between being a victim or being a victor.
This book is written for women, by a woman. She’s got serious creds too – the author of this book is a 10 year veteran of the Seattle police department, as well as a firearms instructor, author, and fervent 2nd Amendment advocate.
Statistics show that violent crimes against women are at an all-time high. Don’t be the next victim! InPersonal Defense for Women, author Gila Hayes shows you how to build awareness to avoid confrontations—and how to fight back when necessary. If you’re concerned about your personal safety and security in your home, in your car, in your workplace and on the campus, there’s no better guide than Personal Defense for Women.
It’s all here! Common-sense, practical advice on
- Avoiding conflict
- Personal defense techniques
- Safe, responsible use of pepper sprays, Tasers, handguns, revolvers and shotguns
Door Jammer 
This gadget is supercool. If you block a door with this, no one is getting through it, unless they happen to be an axe-wielding maniac, in which case, they’ll just chop through the door. However, against your everyday intruder, this is an excellent deterrent.
A great use for this would be to tighten the access to your safe room – a place in your home that has been designated as your retreat if someone were to break in. Another bonus to this device is that it is easily transportable and can be used to fortify those flimsy hotel room doors when you’re traveling.
- Designed for Strength: Horizontal force exerted on door from outside converts into vertical force
- Works on all doors with at least 1/8″ gap below the door
- Works on all Floors. Easily Removed in case of emergency
O-Mega Star Warrior Stun Gun
It would be difficult to overestimate the awesomeness of this device. Not only is it the strongest tasing device available for civilians, but it has a special little surprise in the design. The entire circumference of it is electrified all the way down to the handle. If an attacker tries to grab it from you and take it away, he’ll be in for quite a “shock”. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) Plus, it looks like something from Star Wars, so it has some cool “geek factor”.
Because of the large size, this device is more appropriate for home or vehicle defense. (Check your local laws before concealing this or any other weapon in your vehicle. We have to say that.)
- The entire shaft is electrified 360 degrees around the shaft so you can’t miss, and you dare someone to try and grab it from you.
- 150,000v (Legal Max Amps). Uses 2 Regular 9v Duracell Batteries. We say “No!” to cheap rechargeable batteries.
- Used widely by militaries, law enforcement, security and animal control agencies.
- Self-defense from street crime and stop vicious animal attacks! Long Stun Gun: Approx 480mm. (19 inches.)
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Do you have any personal defense recommendations? Share them in the comments below and your item may be featured in a follow-up article!
We’re particularly interested in suggestions based on personal experience.
Thank you very much. Most people have no idea how disconcerting it is for a cat-hater to carry anything associated with the feline filth. For humorous reading on this subject, I suggest “A Cat-Hater’s Handbook” by William Cole with side-splitting illustrations by Tomi Ungerer.