Personal safety is a universal concern. No single tool or tactic can guarantee protection in every situation, but a layered approach can improve your ability to stay safe. This guide explores a spectrum of nonlethal and less lethal self-defense strategies – from awareness and habits to physical training and pepper-based defense tools. 

Whether you’re a student walking home from evening classes, someone who travels frequently, or a person who simply wants better daily preparedness, these methods offer accessible and legally safer alternatives to lethal force.

Understanding the “why” behind nonlethal and less lethal defense

Nonlethal and less lethal solutions offer security, often without the irreversible consequences associated with lethal weapons. Many people seek ways to feel empowered while minimizing harm for any number of reasons. 

“Less lethal” and “nonlethal” are terms often used as though they mean the same thing, since both refer to tools intended to stop or disable a person without causing permanent injury or death. However, the term “nonlethal” can be misleading – any defensive device carries some risk of causing serious harm or even being deadly under certain conditions. Nonlethal means not causing or capable of causing death, often referring to weapons or methods designed to incapacitate, deter, or subdue individuals or objects without killing them, though they still carry risks of injury and are sometimes better termed "less-lethal" because they aren't entirely risk-free. It describes anything intended to stop a threat without fatality, but with varying degrees of potential harm.  Like many consumer products when used improperly they can cause serious injury or even death.  So, it is imperative to read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings and to properly use the product to maximize safety and effectiveness.

Less-lethal self-defense prioritizes deterrence, escape, and strong situational awareness. These tools give you a way to defend yourself without jumping to a higher level of force.

Nonlethal and less lethal strategies complement each other; while using both can provide a balanced, ethical approach to personal safety.

Nonlethal self-defense strategies

Nonlethal options rely on mindset, behavior, and awareness and are simple tools that create opportunities to avoid conflict entirely. They improve your ability to detect, deter or escape dangerous situations.

Build situational awareness

Situational awareness is the first line of defense. It means remaining alert to what’s happening around you – people, exits, lighting, potential hazards and unusual behavior. It does not mean being on edge or overly anxious; it simply means being attentive enough to make informed decisions in the moment.

This might look like keeping your head up, instead of looking at your phone, while walking or proactively identifying safe locations nearby when on a long run or bike ride. Situational awareness also involves noticing those around you and, most importantly, trusting your intuition.

Walk with others when possible

Most criminals prefer easy, isolated targets. By walking with others – friends, coworkers, or campus escort services – you dramatically reduce your risk. When walking alone is unavoidable, be sure to stay in well-lit, populated areas; let someone know your route and ETA; and avoid shortcuts through alleys, wooded areas, or back streets, and carry pepper spray.

Use personal safety alarms

Personal safety alarms are lightweight, inexpensive devices that emit a loud sound to draw immediate attention to a situation and possibly startle a potential attacker, giving you a few extra seconds to escape. 

SABRE’s personal alarms, in particular, offer exceptional on-the-go convenience and can be taken everywhere, including where other devices might be prohibited such as airports and sports arenas. They are available with a built-in LED light and on an easy-to-access snap-clip, making it easy to carry, with industry-leading decibel strength. 

Practice self-defense training

Nonlethal self-defense training is more than the physical techniques to help you break free and escape. It also teaches confidence, preparedness, and how to stay calm under pressure, all of which increase your chance of reacting effectively in a real-life situation. There are many classes available and most communities or local police stations offer classes throughout the year designed especially for women, the elderly and beginners. For those who are interested in an expert-led online training program, SABRE launched its very own program, which includes lessons on pepper spray 101, situational awareness, and setting boundaries. 

Less lethal self-defense options

Less lethal tools are intended to incapacitate or deter attackers without typically causing permanent injury. Most are legal to carry in all 50 states - but not all areas such as government buildings and other venues, so always check your local and state laws. These devices are not substitutes for awareness or avoidance; rather, they are an additional defensive layer.

Pepper spray and pepper gel

Pepper spray and pepper gel are among the most widely used personal self-defense tools. Both are made with the primary ingredient oleoresin capsicum (OC), a compound derived from hot peppers that irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory systems, often disabling an attacker long enough for escape.

They are both affordable and come in multiple carry options to make them easily accessible in the event they are needed. Read SABRE’s pepper gel explainer and guide to pepper spray for an in depth look at both options and which might be best for you. SABRE products are designed with category-defining strength and exceptional ISO & ASTM certified quality control. 

Pepper projectile launchers, sometimes called pepper guns or pepper ball guns, or a gun-like shaped device that launches maximum strength pepper powder. For example, SABRE’s home defense pepper projectile launcher has a 7-projectile magazine capacity and gives users 40% more stopping power than competitors. Smaller devices like traditional pepper spray and pepper gel canisters are ideal for on-the-go use, with projectile launchers most often used for home defense. The 6-foot pepper cloud and impact projectiles increase the opportunity for you and your family to escape or deter intruders. 

How do I pick a nonlethal or less lethal self-defense device?

There is no “best” self-defense method. Look for a combination of behavior modifications or actual tools based on your lifestyle, comfort level and local laws. Whatever you choose, prioritize awareness, accessibility, and de-escalation – and don’t forget to practice before you need it. Any tool is only useful if you can deploy it quickly and responsibly.

Personal safety isn’t about living in fear. It’s about making informed decisions that empower you to move confidently in most situations. Both non-lethal strategies and less lethal tools can help you avoid or escape danger when avoidance is impossible. Together, they create a balanced, thoughtful approach to self-defense.