Self Defense Products for Women

Armed and Dangerous

In the United States one woman is raped every three minutes. If a woman has not herself been raped she usually knows women who have been raped or assaulted. All women know that it is not safe out there and many would like to make themselves a bit safer but don't know how to go about it.

Probably the first step is to take a self defense class designed for women that aims to empower women emotionally as well as physically. Make sure the class teaches you to fight dirty-you are not studying the niceties of the martial arts but learning to save your life.

The sales of self defense products for women is a booming business that sells some useful products for reasonable prices but also preys on women's fears. These products fall into five categories: sprays, stun or taser guns and baton type devices, noise alarms, and guns. There is one further product that hasn't yet come onto the market but women are going to love the idea. Check your state and local laws to see if the product is legal where you live.

The most common product is pepper spray. It is also the most recommended by groups such as AWARE (Arming Women Against Rape and Endangerment). Pepper spray is made from and extract of hot peppers and is sometimes known as OC (Oleoresin Capsicum). Sprayed into an attacker's face, it causes pain to the eyes and makes the eyelids spasm so that the attacker can't see. This gives the woman time to run away. It can be bought for about $8.00. Mace spray is not recommended. Women who carry pepper spray should take a class on how to use it so that they can be effective and so they don't end up with the spray being used against them.