Pepper spray or stun guns

[sunnysally]

Do you carry pepper spray or a stun gun? Or any other type of self defense item? I hadn't really thought about it, but a friend of mine mentioned she was having a Damsel in Defense (I know, MLM) party when we were at a concert the other night. Later, when I was walking to my car in a crowd, someone grabbed my ass several times before I was able to move away. It really made me think about what I would do if I were attacked.

[W.T.Faulkner]

I'm sorry that somebody grabbed your ass. What the fuck is wrong with people?

To answer your question, I don't carry pepper spray or a stun gun. My in-laws bought me pepper spray because they live in East Bumble and worry about me traveling in the city, but H pointed out that I don't remember to lock the pepper spray and was probably going to end up spraying myself or my shit in my purse accidentally, lol. So, I don't carry it anymore.

[nicbreeful]

Honestly, it depends on what you need/want to go for.

Pepper spray is less dangerous (and more legal) but in a crowd? Oh.. bad time. The spray particles travel and WILL affect innocents in a small to medium area.

Stun gun is more effective but way less legal. Now, in a you-or-me situation, who cares what's legal when you're trying to not get assaulted/killed? Save yourself by any means necessary. BUT, stun guns CAN disrupt heart rhythm and do major, irreparable damage.

You would WANT to do it, and they deserve it.. but that type of person is not worth going to prison for because they grabbed you, you stunned them and then their unknown heart condition paired with the voltage ended up killing them.

The most effective item I can recommend? Personal alarm.

Something that you pull the trigger and it screams like a motherfucker at 150 decibels. Something that can't be destroyed or easily turned off. That is safe, effective and a HUGE deterrent.

[verycontrary247]

I have a stun gun that I carry when I'm visiting bigger cities. I keep it in the outside pocket of a crossbody bag right near where my right hand falls. It's small and lightweight.

I've never actually used it on anyone, but the cackle of electricity that happens when it's turned on has deterred dudes who were harassing me on multiple occasions.

[So_Fetch]

I have a stun gun from damsel in defense...its also a flashlight so i take it when walking the dogs at night. It makes an awful noise and has a wrist strap that deactivates it so it can't be used against me. I like having it.

[sunnysally]

I wouldn't have used anything while in a crowd, I was more concerned about being followed to the lot I was parked in that was off of the main street. Now that I think about it, pepper spray and stun guns are probably banned in stadiums so I wouldn't have been able to have them. I'll look into a personal alarm.

[ciescalove]

I carry pepper spray.

The down side is that it doesn't seem to affect some people. At my old job, we were told people on certain mental health meds were less affected (other than anecdotal episodes, I cannot prove or disprove this, it's just what we were told). I also watched a HUGE dude get sprayed and laugh while he continued coming at us.

**FTR, I worked at a prison, so I don't want someone to read the above and think we were in a mental health facility pepper spraying patients all willy nilly.

[fumbalina]

I don't carry anything because if you are not practiced and willing to harm someone else you are more likely to have it used on you.

[Jalapeñomel]

No.

My dad got me one before I moved to LA 20ish years ago. One night I got really drunk and sprayed myself in the face in an elevator. I know why they are really effective.

[circa1978]

I've also been tased once and been exposed to pepper spray many times (I'm a former cops reporter) and suggest a personal alarm. It can't be used against you - everything else can. I've taken a defense class and recommend it if you feel uncomfortable. I took one in high school and still remember many elements. (During it, btw, we used pepper spray on the off duty cop who was the instructor so he could show us how attackers can fight through it.)

[mrsukyankee]

No to both, but only because they are illegal here in the UK. I have had multiple self-defence classes which made me feel safer. Honestly, I'd do the personal alarm over any other method, along with self-defence classes.

[sewf]

For those of you with a personal alarm, can you recommend a brand? There are a lot of different brands on Amazon. Most are relatively cheap, and the "you get what you pay for" thing is stopping me a bit.

[runwny]

Personal alarm is the way to go!

[adhdfashion]

I have pepper spray mostly because of wildlife.
There are bears, cougars and coyotes here. I have taken self defense courses and my Dad taught me to box. He was a boxer.

[textbookcase]

I have both but usually carry the pepper spray instead of the stun gun. The stun gun scares me more and I'm afraid of hurting myself with it. I carry the pepper spray when I go on walks when it's dark outside.

[starburst604]

I kind of doubt my ability to properly execute something like a stun gun or pepper spray in a quick-thinking situation. The only time I "arm" myself is while running somewhere remote or when it's dark. It's a sharp plastic blade that I wear on my hand, if I formed a fist and struck someone it would stab them. I feel I'd be caught off guard if someone attacked me running due to headphones, and I'm already out of breath so it's my best quick physical defense. I like the idea of the alarms too, but more for if I were walking to my car or around the city. I did once have to scratch a lady itch while running and forgot about the blade. Don't do that.

[cinnamoncox0]

I carry pepper spray. I keep it in my purse and carry it in my hand when I have to walk from work to my car alone. It's rare though I typically walk with a trusted male.