Taking Your Defense into Your Own Hands

05/28/2013 09:21

 

There’s no denying that the debate on the rights of Americans to protect themselves is at front and center. As more and more violent crimes move to the headlines, and as more and more legislation attempts are made to determine the role of guns in society, the lens through which America views crime has changed. Offenses like assault and mugging are on the rise in this climate, but by proportion have become viewed as lesser crimes when stacked against the mass killing sprees that are unfortunately becoming more and more common.

 

The reality is that an environment where violent crimes on a large scale have become terrifyingly common also nurtures an increase in personal violent crime. As legislators and law enforcement struggle to find solutions to the prevalence of killing sprees, individual American citizens are still at risk from an element that feels less near the top of law enforcement priorities. While police, state troopers, and other law enforcement officials are still actively combating this issue, criminals are becoming bolder as media coverage focuses on higher body counts and pays less attention to personal crime.

 

For this reason, Americans need to take their personal defense into their own hands. Self-defense classes are becoming increasingly common. While it is still advisable to learn how to physically handle an aggressive attack, the reality is that having something in your hand you can use to defend yourself is a much surer defense.

 

Of course, with the national gun debate, carrying a firearm is not the best option for a lot of people. Most Americans would prefer not to have to make the decision of using deadly force. And without serious practice and training in terms of the proper use of a firearm, the gun you carry for your own protection can quickly become a threat to you yourself.

 

Fortunately, there are a number of personal solutions for defense that are easily carried in a pocket or purse, or even on a keychain. Pepper spray is the most commonly carried personal defense item. A pepper spray keychain is easy to use, with a low risk of the spray being turned on you by your attacker. Also, a keychain or lipstick pepper spray will not cause permanent damage but will certainly knock an attacker back and allow you to escape. It is important to use your pepper spray quickly to avoid an attacker getting hold of you, but more powerful options like wildfire pepper spray can effectively disentangle you even if the attacker has gotten a grip.

 

There are also more powerful solutions like a runt stun gun or blast knuckles stun gun. It is important to be properly trained in the use of a stun gun, but if used appropriately it will put a stop to any advance your attacker can make. Many stun guns have a charge period and limited discharge, so some Americans find that carrying a pepper spray as well is their best solution.