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Oscar winner NICOLE KIDMAN is trying to raise awareness of violence against women. The actress, who is the goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) - helped launch the Say No to Violence against Women campaign. She says, "One in three women will encounter violence in some way, shape or form against them in their lifetime. So much of it is shrouded in silence. What we are trying to do is say this is something that needs to be addressed.
A lot of it is taking away the stigma, creating awareness and not making it a silent pandemic. I want to encourage people of all nations to unite behind our call to end violence against women." Despite the advances of our society and the changing view we take of women's rights, abuse continues to be a huge problem in this country, as it does in India, South Africa, Pakistan and Asia.
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In 2009, there were over 270,000 reported cases of rape or sexual assault against women in the U.S. Unlike our stereotype image of these victims, abuse against women happens to the wealthy, educated, and even soccer moms. In the United States, every twelve to eight seconds a woman is beaten by a man; four women each day are reported beaten to death; 1 in 6 women will be sexually assulted in their lifetime; and college-age women are 4 times more likely to be sexually assulted than any other demographic. Violence against women knows nothing about socio-economic, educational, racial or religious boundaries. While we have certainly made great strides towards a more equitable, just society for everyone, we still have a long way to go before we can say we have truly overcome our violent behavior.
So, what measures can be taken to reduce these numbers? If we remember our medieval history of the world, there were valiant knights who saved damsels in distress. Remember King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table? In today's world a woman gets molested and harassed domestically as well as in the workplace, and these issues go without any notice. Abuse against women even takes place right in public places. We feel sorry for the poor lady, but we just go on with our lives. Where have all those knights gone?
Over the past few years, as various support groups for battered and abused women have grown, so, too, have self-defense classes for women. Women today are choosing to fight back! In nearly every community you can now find instructional training for women that promotes security, safety, and self confidence from knowing how to defend yourself from the threat of attack. But what if you're a Senior living alone, or weigh all of 98 pounds soaking wet? There are several personal security alarms and non-lethal personal protection devices on the market today that can offer you that same level of safety and security, while providing you the self defense weapon that will turn the table against any attacker. Do not become another statistic! Below, are some of the items available that you can carry with you to turn the odds in your favor.
Personal Alarms – These are small devices that can fit easily on a keychain so they are always at your fingertips. They produce a loud 130 db screeching alarm that immediately draws the attention of any passerby. When some unsavory character approaches you, simply press the button and the alarm sounds. They come in various decibel levels and can prove to be the first line of defense against an attack. The last thing most assailants want is to draw attention to themselves. These handy alarms do just that. They're great when you're alone, convenient to carry when you're out and about, and portable enough to pack in a suitcase.
Pepper Spray – Pepper Spray comes in many shapes and sizes. The smallest are the size of a tube of lipstick and the largest are about the size of a small fire extinguisher. There are models designed for joggers; others designed to attach to the visor of your car; models that attach to your keyring; and sprays that are cleverly concealed in small everyday objects. Designed to temporarily disable your attacker, they can shoot as far as 12 feet, and when shot into the face of the perpetrator will cause pain and swelling in the eyes and throat. Made from a formula of 10% Oleoresin Capsicum with 2 million Scoville Heat Units, a direct shot will leave your attacker temporarily blinded and gasping for air, giving you time to get to safety. Many pepper sprays are also include a dye that leaves its mark on the attacker, giving the police an easy method to identify them. Pepper sprays are also useful on aggressive animals. One shot in the face will turn the most ferocious dog whimpering off in the other direction.
StunGuns – Stun Guns also come in all shapes and sizes. There are standard models designed to intimidate on sight and more subtle models disguised as cell phones. They all come with a safety to prevent accidental discharge and most of the newer models have an alarm that sounds if for some reason you lose control of the device. Stun guns are an aggressive way to stop any attack. They disrupt the flow of electricity in the body leaving the assailant disabled and lying on the ground, while you run to safety. Though the effects are temporary, they will provide you with more than enough time to escape and find help. Because of their design, the disabling effect of the stun gun can't be transferred from one person to another, even if your assailant is touching you. Along with a built in alarm most models also come with a flashlight. Using the flashlight on your way to the car keeps the stun gun in your hand when you need it most.
Tasers – Taser devices are commonly seen on TV or in the news where a police officer has to subdue someone who is not complying with verbal commands. The subject is often seen posing a danger to himself, or others, and has to be incapacitated for the safety of the officers or of others in the vicinity. Taser devices have been shown to be extremely effective in taking down even the most aggressive person. The Advanced Taser brand non-lethal weapon is a conducted energy weapon that utilizes compressed nitrogen to shoot two small probes up to 15 feet. These probes are connected to the weapon by high-voltage insulated wire. When the probes make contact with the target, the weapon transmits powerful electrical pulses along the wires and into the body of the target, through up to two inches of clothing. The new Taser series has an almost 100% effectiveness rating.
No matter your choice, arming yourself against personal attack is a fundamental right in our free society. You have the right to feel safe. You have the right to protect yourself. And you have the responsibility to do the same for your family. Personal safety technology is a great solution to non-lethal defense. Feel Safe Again!
