National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month

01 09 2017

How many of your loved ones are between the ages of 12 and 34? Individuals occupying this window are at the highest risk of sexual violence, accounting for 54% of all victims. This striking statistic comes from our partner and the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Do the 12- to 34-year-olds - and those of all ages - in your life have a practical self-defense plan? This January (National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month), make sure they do.

Don’t be a soft target

The most proactive way to defend yourself against attack is to reduce your risk altogether. Criminals look for “soft targets,” who seem like they’d be less likely to put up a fight. Soft targets…

  • Walk with their head down
  • Are absorbed in their cell phone/electronics
  • Look distracted
  • Have headphones in both ears
  • Carry valuables in plain sight
  • Have their hands full
  • Walk alone in the dark
  • Look lost

If you are approached by someone who makes you feel uncomfortable…

Don’t be afraid to express so out loud. Verbal commands make witnesses of the people around you, may deter the attacker, and keeps you breathing.

No matter how proactive you are, there’s still a chance of a worst-case scenario – which is why it’s so important to have a self-defense tool on hand. You know that we like pepper spray, and here are the top 5 reasons why.

  1. Protection at a safe distance – why go hands on?
  2. Very practical – protection against multiple threats
  3. Convenient – legal to carry in all 50 states
  4. Ideal for everyone – doesn’t require size or strength to use
  5. Proven effective – police worldwide carry pepper spray

If you are too young to carry pepper spray, or are in a venue that does not allow it, consider a personal alarm, which amplifies your call for help and is audible up to 1,000 feet (300 m) away.

Support RAINN by protecting yourself

Help fund the National Sexual Assault Hotline while protecting yourself or a loved one. A portion of the proceeds from our RAINN Key Case Pepper Spray with Quick Release Key Ring and RAINN Personal Alarm with Key Ring are donated to this nonprofit.