Women and Self-protection
What items are readily available to defend yourself in a life-threatening self-defense situation? A few years ago, I did an article on ways someone could protect themselves. Whether it was a knife, taser, self-protection keychain, or firearm, I went in depth about how those options were beneficial. That article prompted emails and messages from women worldwide regarding self-protection possibilities in their area. See the bottom of this post for that article.
Today I want to discuss statistics surrounding women, crime, and self-protection and share some true stories. Read, reflect, and take something away that can help you in the future.
Statistics
According to (Brenan, 2022), “The most recent findings, from 2021-2022, show a 21-percentage-point gender gap in gun ownership, with about twice as many men (43%) as women (22%) saying they personally own a gun.”
Referencing (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021), “1 in 3 women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range of behaviors (e.g., slapping, shoving, pushing) and in some cases might not be considered “domestic violence.”
“On a typical day, more than twenty thousand calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines.”
According to (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021), 1 in 5 women in the United States has been raped in their lifetime.”
Referencing (Safehome, 2022), On average, violent crime has climbed by 12 percent in U.S. cities, while property crime has declined by 33 percent since 2010. Robbery rates fell in the average U.S. city by 23 percent, while murder, rape, and aggravated assault all climbed by 25 percent or more.”
Whether you choose a knife, taser, self-protection keychain, or firearm for self-protection, being educated and trained with that option is essential. Below are real women who defended themselves in different life-threatening situations.
True Stories
“WASHINGTON STATE WOMAN SHOOTS ASSAILANT”
Staff members at a Quality Inn in Tacoma asked a drunk man to leave the property. Rather than comply, the drunk man produced a knife and started chasing the two women and a man who worked at the hotel.
One of the women then drew a pistol and shot the assailant, stopping him and ending the incident. Tacoma police announced that they would arrest the man on first-degree assault charges after his release from the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening wounds.
“SOUTH CAROLINA WOMAN FIGHTS OFF SEXUAL ASSAULT”
A Rock Hill woman was walking alone near a mall late one evening when a man attacked her, tried to pull down her pants, and forced her into a nearby wooded area. The woman was able to get to the pistol she carried and shoot at her attacker, driving him off. Police later apprehended an 18-year-old man suspected of being the assailant in this and several other sexual assaults.
“FLORIDA WIFE SHOOTS, KILLS HUSBAND WHO ATTACKED HER”
A Deltona woman, having previously suffered violence at her husband’s hands, resisted his latest assault. When he punched and choked her in their home, she took a pistol from her purse and shot him several times, ending his assault. Responding authorities declared the husband dead at the scene, and the wife was not charged with a crime at press time.
Self-Protection in Today’s World – It’s a Busy Life (itsabusylife.com)
