Pepper Spray??

[okarol]

Jenna walks a couple of miles to/from work twice a week and my husband thinks she should carry pepper spray for protection. I'm not sure it's necessary, but he worries about her. She, however, is fearless, and prefers to walk (does not want to be driven.)
I sort of recall hearing that it might backfire, in the sense that the attacker can become even more enraged when sprayed, and do more damage than perhaps they would otherwise (even as I type that, I realize how wacky it sounds... did they poll 100 attackers to get that info??)
Does anyone have any experience with this?

[Wattle]

I can't comment on the pepper spray as it isn't really used here.

What about a self-defense class? I took a series of classes when I was nineteen and taking the train to Uni. The classes are usually full of teenage girls. A house key between your fingers can be quite a weapon!!

[isurvived]

No experience, but I am willing to bet that it would stop many folks no matter what. Why would you care about enraging someone, anyway? He is all ready up to something that would be a terrible life changing event. Either way, it would not be a pleasant experience. 

[2_DallasCowboys]

Carol,
I used to powerwalk every day, about 1 to 2 miles
or so.  I carried  pepperspray after a dog that was
loose came charging after me one day.  I love dogs,
but not the owners who let them roam freely! ,
Needless to say, I clipped that lil ole spraycan on my waistbag,
and felt alot better.  I never had to use it, but did feel warm
and fuzzy just knowing I had it.
I say go for it, get Jenna the spray.  If God forbid she ever
is put in a situation, sometimes just someone seeing that can
can be a deterrent.

Anne

[Sluff]

When I'm out and about I always have some form of protection along and I'm a man. I say get her some because the only time it doesn't work is when the attacker is high on drugs or something. Pepper spray only affords a chance to run it doesn't disable a person. Is it legal in California? It's not legal here in Wisconsin. They now have 700,000 volt stun guns available that look like cell phones, now that will stop almost anyone.

[bolta72]

I think its better to be safe than sorry.

[boxman55]

I say let her carry it. Walking with an ounce more confidence is also a deterrent...Boxman

[kellyt]

In Texas I believe you have to attend a "pepper spray class" before being able to "legally" carry it.  Also, you have to be "sprayed by the pepper spray" in some instances (law inforcement, security guard training, etc.)  We used to own a security company.  I do not carry my pepper spray with me (but then again I don't walk alot).  But I have a can by my bed and by my front door.  The key is to spray IN THE FACE/EYES and run like hell.  It's a means of getting away, not of stopping the attacker permanently.       Ask around and find out if there are classes she can attend.  The spray is not like "hairspray".  It's more of a direct stream like wasp spray.  You have to be ready to spray and know exactly where you're spraying.  Wind direction is also important or you, too, could get some on you!!!!   Let us know what you find out.  I'll do more research, as well.

[petey]

I'd say let Jenna carry the pepper spray, and I wouldn't care if it was "legal" or not. 

Kit, if Jenna needs it, can she borrow the big stick?

[vandie]

I carry it and my college-aged daughter also carries it.  A deputy at worked talked me into it and showed me how to use it.  If you feel unsafe in a situation, you spray.  If the guy becomes enraged, you spray again.

I am sure that the local Sheriff's station would have someone to show her how to use it.

[kellyt]

Let me add this - carrying pepper spray is just like carrying any other weapon in that it can easily be used against you if you don't know what your doing.  I'm all for her carrying it for her safety, but talk to someone trained first.  Good Luck!

[paris]

It seems like a good idea, just for peace of mind.  When my oldest daughter was in college, she carried a tiny personal alarm. It was about 2x3 inches and kind of like a panic button--if she felt uncomfortable, she could hit the button and there was a loud, piercing sound.  I am sure where Jenna walks is a very safe area, but why not have a little spray, just in case.

[kitkatz]

I'd say let Jenna carry the pepper spray, and I wouldn't care if it was "legal" or not. 

Kit, if Jenna needs it, can she borrow the big stick?

Her Mama already gots a big old stick to share!

[Sluff]

Let me add this - carrying pepper spray is just like carrying any other weapon in that it can easily be used against you if you don't know what your doing.  I'm all for her carrying it for her safety, but talk to someone trained first.  Good Luck!

Very true. It has happened before.

[kidney4traci]

I have a personal alarm too, it draws attention, but you have have someone around to hear it.  I also wonder if too many people would not look into the sound, thinking that it was another car alarm or something.  I don't see many people responding to those either.  I like the pepper spray idea.  I also like the self defense classes, they train on being attacked over and over so you are really prepared.  Otherwise you may not respond quick enough, or get caught off guard so as to not be able to react as you wish you could if trained. Another 

[Sluff]

I carry Brass knuckles and a quick release blade and sometimes a .380 pistol. These appear to be very effective when needed.

[rose1999]

I carry Brass knuckles and a quick release blade and sometimes a .380 pistol. These appear to be very effective when needed.

Sluff you are too much!!

I say let her carry it. Walking with an ounce more confidence is also a deterrent...Boxman

I'm with Boxman on this one.

[Sluff]

I carry Brass knuckles and a quick release blade and sometimes a .380 pistol. These appear to be very effective when needed.

Sluff you are too much!!

I say let her carry it. Walking with an ounce more confidence is also a deterrent...Boxman

I'm with Boxman on this one.

I wasn't kidding..

[livecam]

God, I've never owned or carried a weapon or any other protective device.  I've also never been bothered by anyone.  What am I going to do when a car pulls up and someone asks "Where you from"?

[vandie]

I can tell you one thing; I would rather fight back than give in.  We need to protect ouselves and our families.

Just because something has never happened to you doesn't mean that it won't. 

[MyssAnne]

Vandie is correct. I can't say I'd carry a gun, but I would be willing to learn how to use one.

Remember, when you fight back, you get dna samples from that person. You just never know,
it might be needed in court. 

Also, for the ladies, I have heard that this is not the time to be nice. If someone is out and after
you and in your space, get nasty. I just hope we never have to do this. I know I don't want to,
but if I had to, I would.

[boxman55]

I carry Brass knuckles and a quick release blade and sometimes a .380 pistol. These appear to be very effective when needed.

no wonder my dry weight has gone up. I keep forgeting to remove my holster and bowie knife...Boxman

[paris]

I also think it's a guy v. girl thing.  My husband never thinks twice about where he parks.  He doesn't worry about who is walking on the streets with him.  I am always leary of who is around and where I park.  Women do have to be more cautious of their surroundings.   Self defense training could be a good outlet for Jenna; meeting people and gaining power at the same time.

[Ang]

self  defence  training is  the  way  to  go.

[Wattle]

self  defence  training is  the  way  to  go.

Must be an Aussie thing 

I don't think a quick blade or .380 pistol would be suitable for Jenna. 

   Sluff your scary.... on the outside ... and marshmello on the inside!