4 Small Self-Defense Weapons That Pack a Punch
- By Website Editor
- •
- 09 Aug, 2019
You may not know it, but you already have one item on this list.
Until I was carjacked two years ago, I always thought I was prepared to defend myself if necessary. Since then, I’ve become more paranoi-- er, I mean, proactive about my own safety. For example: I no longer walk my dog without pepper spray in hand and since the recent rash of Uber-related abductions, I began carrying this small window breaker. I recently spoke with Damsel in Defense’s Nancy Abercrombie (CC19 attendees will recognize her as Damsel Ninja Nancy) about portable, easy-to-use products that men and women alike can keep on hand to ensure their safety.
Alert Whistles
“I always advise people to take products that are appropriate for where they’re going,” Nancy says. For example, when traveling by plane, it’s important to have TSA-compliant self-defense products to take along. The Leaf Me Alone and Pearl of Wisdom pendant whistles are Nancy’s favorites, but any good alert whistle should be durable, accessible, and deafening to a would-be attacker.
Tactical Pens
Cleverly disguised as ink pens (and many are actually functional pens, though decoys do exist), tactical pens are inconspicuous and handy self-defense weapons. “If you have a job that requires you to meet with clients or people you’ve never met before, tactical pens are a great weapon,” says Nancy. Many tac pens, she says, have different features. “Ours includes a combined strobe light and flashlight, a striking tool, and a jagged tip. In the event of an attack, one would rake the jagged tip across the attacker’s face or skin to inflict injury but also to collect DNA.” An added bonus: while there exists no official policy regarding tac pens, “I’ve never had one of these confiscated by TSA,” Nancy says.
INFORMANT'S TIP: (Keep reading and learn how you could win a free tactical pen from Nancy's arsenal!)Stun Guns
Many people have mixed feelings about stun guns due to their limited striking distance and how easily attackers can steal and use them against their victim. However, Nancy explains that not all stun guns are created equal. “The stun gun comes equipped with a flashlight,” she says. “If you’re walking in the dark and make a habit of using the flashlight (instead of say, the light from your phone), then you already have the stun gun in hand if you need it.” The gun can also be a deterrent. “If you see someone approaching and hit the button, they’ll see the electricity and realize that you’re not the easiest victim of the night and hopefully move on.” Best of all, even if an attacker wrestles the stun gun away, they can’t use it on their victim. The stun gun includes a wrist cord attached to a pin that disables the stun gun if removed.
Yourself
At the end of the day, says Nancy, the best weapon in our self-defense arsenal is good old-fashioned intuition, situational awareness, and courage. “When you get butterflies in your stomach and when things just feel “off,” that’s your intuition telling you something,” she says emphatically. “If someone approaches you and you get that feeling, speak up! Be aggressive and show them you’re prepared to defend yourself; scream “I have this weapon and I will use it.”
Defending yourself is also the best way to protect your children. “When your kids see you taking care of yourself, they learn to take care of themselves. I realized recently that the way I’ve set up my kitchen makes no sense at all, but I did it because it’s the way my mother arranged hers. That kind of generational influence is what will make us all safer.”
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
