Personal Safety Gadgets Every Woman Should Own

When you take a moment to really think about how many rapes, assaults, attacks, and harassment cases are filed on behalf of a woman each year, the numbers are staggering. The U.S. Justice Department estimates that more than 2.5 million women experience violence each year.

Don’t Be Another Statistic 

Criminals use fear, intimidation, and the element of surprise to take advantage of their victims. With a few tools and a little preparation, you can be ready to fight back and defend yourself against unwanted attacks.

1) Pepper Spray 
Pepper spray is a tried and true go-to-gadget for women (and men) looking for a little more security on their evening walks, or the commute to work. Pepper spray is not lethal, but it is painful. If sprayed into the eyes of an assailant, it will temporarily blind an attacker, and allow you to the opportunity to get away, and contact the police.

2) Portable Alarm 
Portable alarms are small, safe, and legal to carry in all fifty states. Portable alarms come in many different forms that can be easily carried on your person wherever you go. You can even carry one on your keychain. When you feel like you are in danger, simply press a button and the little alarm will produce and ear-piercing distress alert that can be heard by anyone even remotely close by. Criminals will not abduct or attack someone that is calling attention to the situation.

3) Background Check 
Women are much more likely to be attacked by someone they already know. A neighbor down the street, a friend of the family, or a potential date are all people that have access to you, know your schedule, and could easily strike at any moment. It’s always a good idea to pull the arrest records of the people in your life—no matter how well you think you know them. New breakthroughs in technology allow you to perform a criminal history check online from the convenience of a laptop, smartphone, or iPad.

4) Stun Gun 
Stun guns are another great, non-lethal self-defense tool that every woman should carry with her at all times. Like the portable alarm, stun guns can be modified to look like other objects. You can carry a stun gun that looks like a cell phone, a flashlight, or any other ordinary, everyday item. Stun guns generate a high-voltage, low-amperage electrical charge which will temporarily injure your attacker, and confuse the nervous system. While they’re in pain and disoriented, you have a window of time to get away.

5) Sound Judgement 
Of course, there is no substitute for sound judgement and common sense. Law enforcement officials urge people not to rely on a device for their personal safety needs. It is also a good idea for women to know basic self-defense, and practice due diligence and be aware of their surroundings. Develop a multi-faceted strategy for dealing with dangerous situations or individuals.

Activities such as cycling, jogging or even walking could place you in a vulnerable position, open to being victimized by one of the many ruthless criminals walking our streets today. Protect yourself with these top safety gadgets, arm yourself with the truth by running a background check on people, and practice vigilance in your daily routine. Don’t be another statistic, protect yourself and your loved ones today.

Author Bio:

Kristen Bright blogs for Instant Checkmate, a company that provides people with online background checks. Find them on Twitter to read more of her work.