In an unpredictable world, personal safety is paramount, especially for women who often need to be extra cautious. The everyday items in your handbag or pockets may seem ordinary, but they hold incredible potential as self-defense tools. This post unveils the hidden arsenal within your daily essentials, empowering you to protect yourself in moments of distress. Read on to learn how use every-day items to augment your personal safety.
The Hidden Arsenal for Personal Safety in Your Handbag
There are tons of questions on the Internet regarding “What can I (female) use as a self defense tool if my work doesn’t allow me to have weapons on premises?” SURPRISE!! You are already carrying an arsenal on you and most of those items are allowed in buildings; including government buildings. Now, you may carry more or less than the items listed here, but the point is, you are almost guaranteed to carry some of them.
Keys:
Held between your fingers like Wolverine’s claws, they can be used to rake at sensitive spots, causing an attacker discomfort or creating an opening to escape. Practice holding your keys this way so it becomes second nature in a crisis.
Pen:
A pen, especially a metal one, can be used for precision strikes into vulnerable areas like the throat or face. The goal is not to cause severe injury but to create a quick, effective means of defense. Aim for soft tissue areas, and practice quick jabs. Metal pens are preferred due to their durability.
Hairbrush:
A solid hairbrush can double as a makeshift baton. The handle can deliver a strong whack to an attacker’s face or hands, buying you precious seconds to escape. Opt for a brush with a sturdy, preferably metal, handle for added impact.
Perfume/Hairspray:
Spraying perfume or hairspray into an attacker’s eyes can temporarily blind or disorient them, giving you a chance to get away. Practice holding the spray bottle in a way that allows you to quickly aim and spray, and remember to target the eyes, nose and mouth for maximum effect.
Water Bottle/Thermos:
A full water bottle or thermos can serve multiple purposes in self-defense. It can be used to block an incoming attack, deliver a hard strike, or create a bit of distance between you and the threat. Metal thermoses are particularly useful due to their weight and sturdiness.
Wallet/Cardholder:
Your wallet or a rigid cardholder can be used to strike an attacker. Aim for the nose, throat, or other vulnerable areas with the hard, reinforced edges. The shock and pain from the strike can give you a moment to escape.
Mobile Phone:
While primarily a device for communication, your mobile phone can also be a self-defense tool. It can be thrown to distract an attacker, used to strike if it’s a robust model, or, most importantly, used to call for help. Make sure you know how to quickly access emergency call functions on your phone.
The Handbag:
Don’t forget the bag itself. Any straps can entangle an attacker. With all the stuff you carry, the bag can get heavy and be used both as a weapon and as a shield of sorts.
–>While you are at it, go get your FREE Personal Safety Plan Builder… on us! (CLICK HERE)<–
Other Items:
Belt: Can be used to whip or restrain. Don’t discount the buckle. It’s hard, often pointy and can add a little extra weight to that swing.
Compact Mirror: Its edges can be used to strike, or it can be thrown to cause a distraction. Don’t forget the mirror itself. In an emergency, it can be broken and the sharp edges used to cut. Just… watch your fingers.
Small Notebook: A thick notebook can deliver a solid strike. Also, throwing it in an attackers face can cause a flinch response and buy you precious seconds to escape.
Cosmetics Cases: The hard, usually rectangular shape can be used similarly to a wallet.
Shoes: If you are wearing heals, now is the time to slip them off so you can boogie when you get the chance. While you have them in your hands, you might as well target soft-tissue areas of the attacker and strike with everything you have. Even the hard soles of flats will have an effect.
Pocket Power: The Unseen Personal Safety Defenders
- Hair Tie/Elastic Band: Besides keeping your hair in place, a hair tie can be used to secure an attacker’s hands or even as a makeshift handcuff. This requires practice but can be effective in immobilizing an assailant temporarily.
- Lipstick Tube/Metal Lip Balm Container: A hard lipstick tube or metal lip balm container can deliver a painful strike when held firmly in the palm and aimed at sensitive areas like the face or neck. These items are small, easy to grip, and can be wielded quickly.
- Sharp Edges on Watch/Ring: Watches with sharp edges and rings can be used to rake at an attacker’s skin. This can cause enough pain and shock to create a gap for you to escape.
- Hat/Scarf: Tossing a hat or scarf into an attacker’s face can disrupt their view and provide a critical second to either strike or escape. Practicing this move can help you get it right under pressure. A scarf can also be used to entangle an attackers limbs or wrap around their head or neck.
Important Considerations for Personal Safety
- Prevention: The best defense is prevention. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid risky situations, and trust your instincts.
- Accessibility: It’s key to be able to access and use these tools quickly. Get comfortable with basic striking motions and consider taking a self-defense course.
- Appropriate Use: These methods should only be used when you are under immediate threat and as a way to create a chance to escape.
- Voice and Demeanor: Often, a calm and assertive demeanor can de-escalate a situation before it becomes physical. Use your voice confidently to deter potential attackers.
- Legal Awareness: Be aware of local laws and regulations regarding self-defense. Knowing what is permissible can help ensure that you are not in trouble for defending yourself.
Personal Safety: After the Fact
After any situation where your personal safety is in danger, it’s crucial to seek legal advice to understand your rights and any potential legal implications. Consulting with a legal professional can provide you with the necessary guidance and support.
At home, outside your home which includes all locations in your domicile city and all other cities. All fifty states, all United States Territories, Native American Indian Tribal Land, Federal or State Parks, or while in the process of travel to, from, or through any of the aforementioned locations within US jurisdiction. The Self Defense Fund (SDF) will provide legal assistance for an attack by a person or animal if prosecuted for defending self or family. SDF qualified attorneys will aggressively pursue and defend you against criminal or civil litigation, including court costs, and, if needed, private investigator fees and/or expert witness fees, until your case is resolved or a no-bill by a Grand Jury [or applicable court jury system. Qualified attorneys will aggressively defend you against criminal or civil litigation brought against you for self defense. (CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO)
Empowered and Aware in Personal Safety
The point is, you are not as defenseless as you might think. You have tools at your disposal every day that you can use to protect yourself. It just requires a little imagination and the opportunity to get your hands on them.
Remember, the key to effective self-defense lies in awareness, prevention, and quick thinking. By recognizing the potential of everyday objects and being prepared, you can increase your confidence and ability to protect yourself. Knowledge is power, and your personal safety is paramount.
This information is intended to empower, not to incite fear. In a moment of crisis, the most ordinary objects can become your most powerful allies. Awareness and knowledge are your best defenses. Stay safe and stay empowered.
Help your fellow ladies!! Share this article on social media or comment below with your own self-defense tips. Consider looking at a local self-defense course.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support the website and allow us to continue providing valuable content. We only recommend products and services that we believe will add value to our readers.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the content. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We do not endorse or recommend any particular course of action or product. Always seek professional advice, including legal advice, where appropriate, before taking any action based on the information provided in this article.