self-defence

(Edited because I'm a dummy, defence and defense are both considered correct; defence more typical for the British, and defense for Americans.)

I keep pepper spray in my car, and have taken some martial arts. I also have a revolver for home defense. Once of these days I'll get around to getting a concealed carry.

I think it's a great idea to be aware of your surroundings, and have at least a little bit of knowledge on how to defend yourself. One has to prepare, because it's too late to learn if you wait until you need it.

Also, keep your cell phone in your hand and call the police if anyone ever follows you again. Get the vehicle description and plate number, and a good look at the driver if you can.

My plan - spray with dog mace kick in the nuts, sometimes I wish a mother f*cker would.

I think it is always good to be prepared if something does happen. I don't walk around in a paranoid state but if something were to happen I want some resources to work with.

take some sort of class, I've done taekwondo

when I walk alone at night through a sketchy area I have my cell in my hand w/ 911 already dialed so all I have to press is send

if I'm walking alone at night or through an unpopulated area I make sure I'm aware of my surroundings (no ipod, texting, etc)

i have my fiance's number dialed....but i actually call him. i have this weird idea that if i am on the phone with someone people will think twice about attacking me. i always tell him where i am and where i am headed. it is usually late at night when i come back from a shift that ends at 1am, like last night.

i want to learn some taekwandoe....and run off walls like tony ja

you actually shouldn't be on your phone...from the stuff i've read & watched attackers look for people who are not aware of their surroundings (people talking on their phones, listening to music, searching their purse for keys)

*self-defense (otherwise, you may be removing fences... ;-) )

i thought that was what we were talking about lol

LOL, you're adorable!

Most of the ladies I know can't find their cell phone in their purse when it is ringing and vibrating. You think you can find that little can of pepper spray when you need it? Go with a collapsible baton if you are not comfortable with a gun.

I want to take some type of class, I thought I was being followed last week in a path area, some guy walked passed me he turned around right away and was walking behind me....I was freaked so I started jogging and went up to the main street. I stopped wearing the ipod when I'm not on the busy streets in my neighbourhood.

I wear heels and I kick . . . hard.

I think all girls/women should take a self defense class at some point. It was so eye opening to me when I did it. Pepper spray and weapons give a false sense of security especially if you hesitate for even a moment to use them or can't get your hands on them fast enough.

Self Defense is very important. IMHO, you should protect yourself with whatever means you are comfortable with, and legal in your state or country. If you are not comfortable with firearms, you should NOT use one. If you are not comfortable with a LTL (less than lethal) option (mace or stun gun) because they're not legal or you're afraid you'd stun yourself, don't use them. If you can take a martial arts or self defense class, you should. You don't have to be Bruce Lee or Kate Beckinsale to stop an attacker.

The most important, critical and the FIRST rule of self defense is being aware of your surroundings. Being able to spot a potential threat early will save your life. Sometimes, just letting a threat know you are aware of him will work. Nothing says, "Back Off!" like a little eye contact while you reach into your purse or pocket for your weapon (weather you're packin' or not, they don't know).

Traveling in a group, in a public place, well lighted will keep you safer. Also, if you feel threatened, tell someone. If it's a passing stranger or by going into a business, bad guys don't like spectators.

Lastly, don't be afraid to start running. Hey, you probably need the exercise anyway.

Buy a small can of Raid wasp and hornet spray. Cheaper than mace or pepper spray, shoots to 25' away.

I actually carry a small handgun, but can't comment on that or the trolls will get the thread locked........again.

Most of the ladies I know can't find their cell phone in their purse when it is ringing and vibrating. You think you can find that little can of pepper spray when you need it? Go with a collapsible baton if you are not comfortable with a gun.

I wouldn't recommend any weapon that could be turned onto the victim. Unless a person gets extensive training on how to use that baton, it will be easily taken away from her. We tend to have less physical strength than men, so speed, defensive training, and one-shot weapons (pepper spray, lit cigarette) are better choices for women who do not want to receive training with guns or other weapons.

Collapsible ( ASP ) batons are not legal in most states...

women, (and men i guess!), what are your thoughts on self-defence?

a man was totally following me in his car last night for a few blocks, but being swift like a fox i got him turned around. i know this has happened to my friends as well. what are your thoughts? pepper spray?

Not sure what state you are in, but CWP is a must. Take classes, And definitely take shooting lessons. Yes, you can get perfect at the karate or taekwondo, but there is no match when you have to confront someone twice your size. If you live alone, take your car keys to bed with you. If you hear someone breaks in, use your key chain alarm while you loading your pistol(actually it should already be loaded).

First step is to be aware of yourself and things around you. Which you seem to be. Next find what is comfortable for you. If you are more comfortable with pepper spray or a defense art or even a gun then choose that. You don't want choose something that when the time comes to us it you are going to be unsure of or unsure of using. Confidence and practice will get your through an event. Take sometime and look into courses or even talk to the local and state police. A lot of states and towns offer things like that to help a civilian out. The more prepared you are the better you will be.

The only time I really worry about it is when I'm walking in the evenings. I always have my very protective 90lb dog, and usually at least one friend with me. I always have my cell phone with me, and if it's dark, I carry my pepper spray in my hand. I stick to busy, well-lit streets (as busy as they get in my little town ), and cross the street/run if I start getting that feeling that something's not right. If I'm alone, I usually have my ipod, but keep the volume low so I can hear everything, and I look around a lot.

I'd love to take a self-defense class at some point, though.

It's good to know at least a little.Basic blocks and punches go along way.