Self Defense -- protection

What do you do/use for self defense or protection ?

I know that a lot of places have laws against owning or carrying a gun, but there are other methods, of course.

I know that here, and I am sure it is the same in most major cities, there are places you don't want to be after the sun goes down, and a wise person acts accordingly, even if he is driving a tank.

Your ideas/thoughts on the subject ? ?

Leonard

If I am going out alone at night or traveling, I carry my gun. I also carry pepper spray most of the time. I would rather do something illegal that be dead or assaulted. I am sure whatever legal problems that may arise from it will not be as bad. I know how to handle my gun, and will only bring it out if I am prepared to use it. I have been fortunate enough to only feel threatened enough one time to bring it out outside my home. It was 4 a.m. in a parking lot where a woman had been stabbed 54 times the night before. I would not normally have been out alone at that time of night, but it was an emergency. A man fitting the description of the assailant (still at large) approached me and tried to get in my car. I have used my pepper spray twice, in less threatening circumstances.
I have been the near victim of heinous crimes several times, and somehow managed to escape unharmed. I don't think I will be that lucky again, so I carry my gun. I also drive a huge mid-eighties sedan that will move pretty much anything out of my way.

I don't carry a gun, since they're illegal and difficult to obtain here (I had some when living in the U.S., and used to do competitive shooting), but I carry a very nasty switchblade (also illegal, but I figure ::censor::censor::censor::; I don't carry it when flying ), and have done so for decades, and have a crowbar in the bedroom now, since we had an attempted break-in, and my husband works odd shifts. I also have a crowbar in the car. I don't feel like I'm a potential victim, because being afraid makes me quite angry and aggressive. So much for the passive female stereotype. Fear leads not to fantasies, but plans, for revenge, in my case. One question I wrangled with for a while was, "Would you be able to kill to protect yourself?" The answer is yes, with no compunctions.

Canadians don't carry guns and normally don't feel the need to. Fortunately we can still walk around downtown Toronto or Montreal at night without fearing for our lives. There are areas that one should avoid, but I doubt if you would get attacked or killed being there.

Our 25 yr. old daughter often goes "clubbing" downtown Toronto on the weekends. She loves to dance. She doesn't go alone of course, and if by chance she is alone when she wants to leave, the bouncer or someone she knows at the club will walk her to her car just to be on the safe side.

We are blessed to be in a safe country.

Yosemite, to what do you attribute the safety, either real or perceived, and is is throughout canada, or is it regional, I mean is is the same from St. Johns to BC, or are there hot spots ? ?

I would venture a guess that you might be a wee bit safer in Calgary than in Quebec, I dunno.

Leonard.

I don't carry anything on me. I did take several self-defence classes, my favorite of which being RAD (Rape Aggression Defence Training). RAD is only taught by females or male cops. I was impressed with the course and it gave me a lot of confidence. I keep my cell phone on me at all times, walk with my head up, always have my keys ready, don't hang out in the car, never have more than one drink (which I always keep my hand and eyes on), etc.

Originally Posted by winwin

Yosemite, to what do you attribute the safety, either real or perceived, and is is throughout canada, or is it regional, I mean is is the same from St. Johns to BC, or are there hot spots ? ?

I would venture a guess that you might be a wee bit safer in Calgary than in Quebec, I dunno.

Leonard.

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As for Calgary being safer than Quebec, I really do not know much about Quebec but it is hard to compare a city to a province. As of late Calgary has not been a "safe" place in certain areas that used to be. Mostly at night. There has been a lot of gang activity being set up and has led to many shootings. So far no one "innocent" and I mean that as in bystanders not involved with the gangs have been shot luckily but it is bound to happen.

Does this mean I won't go to Calgary (I live about 2 1/2 hours away)? No. I still go up 4 or 5 times a month to go shopping and to the clubs but I am more careful of where I will go in the city.

Originally Posted by jcat

I don't carry a gun, since they're illegal and difficult to obtain here (I had some when living in the U.S., and used to do competitive shooting), but I carry a very nasty switchblade (also illegal, but I figure ::censor::censor::censor::; I don't carry it when flying ), and have done so for decades, and have a crowbar in the bedroom now, since we had an attempted break-in, and my husband works odd shifts. I also have a crowbar in the car. I don't feel like I'm a potential victim, because being afraid makes me quite angry and aggressive. So much for the passive female stereotype. Fear leads not to fantasies, but plans, for revenge, in my case. One question I wrangled with for a while was, "Would you be able to kill to protect yourself?" The answer is yes, with no compunctions.

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I have a gun, but agree with you on your last points-being threatened makes me very nasty. I'm fiercely protective of myself & mine. I also have a knife in the bedroom, & a club made out of a stainless steel tube filled with copper pellets & welded closed, in the livingroom.
Whenever I do manage to get a car, I'll buy a cheap pair of calipers. (used in sheetmetal shops for measuring) They have several deadly little points & I can't get in trouble for having them in my car, now can I? (grin)

I rarely go out at night and there are certain neighborhoods, that I avoid. At all times, I have my cellphone, keep my car doors locked and windows up. In parking lots, I walk quickly, head up, eyes constantly scanning. My keyless remote is in my hand, when I exit a building.

Fortunately, I live in a state that allows law-abiding citizens to own and carry handguns. Cocnealed-carry permits are available, following a background check and an accredited 60-hour course. Whenever I leave the city limits, my .38 snubby is on the seat, next to my cellphone.

At home, I have two large, territorial dogs, the aforememtioned .38 and Bill's .45 automatic.

I don't drive, so if I leave the house, I'm never alone.
At home, I have a 90 pound wuss of a dog with a big mouth, that is very protective of me when he has to be.

Eric being in law enforcement has taught me well, but I don't carry a piece. I have been trained in street combat and can hold my own if I need to, but I do feel alot of women just aren't taught enough about self-defense and common sense, as well as learning to listen to their gut or sixth sense about fear. Walk with purpose, keep you head up, purse on shoulder, keys ready, pepper spray ready - don't use your cell phone walking! Don't walk submissively with your head down and leave window-shopping for daylight hours in a crowded area. Take a good class - learn about pressure points on the body and effective punch points on the face; learn what thieves and assailants look for in the meak and weak, and get MAD. Anger is such a powerful force when you need adrenaline to flow and give you half a chance.

One thing I carry with me all the time is my thumb nail....yes I said thumb nail. I have very,very strong natural nails that do not break very easily at all. sounds strange huh? Well a long thumb nail can do a lot of damage to someone's eyes, this I know for a fact

I also carry a filet knife in my car really long and sharp as L for protection. Someone messing with me or mine would just p!ss me off and make me mean. Double barrell shot gun in the house...need I say more?

I feel safe in my neighbourhood, so I don't carry any weapons on me (I'm 15 come on!! ) I can run when I need to and I've dislocated someones jaw, so watch out!!

While driving, I just keep my doors locked. At home, I keep the doors locked, I have security stickers on each door & window. I don't own a gun. I'd wind up shooting myself in the eye or something, I'm real clumsy.

While walking my usual 2 or so miles per day around the city I work in, I do carry mace (dog spray given to me by the mail lady). It's a tiny lil thing I keep cupped in my hand. I get messed with a lot, once was followed. So if anyone messes with me, I'll mace 'em and run.

Also another thing I use for protection is my attitude. I have a real bad Irish temper and once it flares... watch out...

Originally Posted by darkeyedgirl

Also another thing I use for protection is my attitude. I have a real bad Irish temper and once it flares... watch out...

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i carry a switchblade knife in my car and a fork in my purse.. well that was for lunch one day and i forgot to take it out.. but anyhow.. I don't worry too much. I have quick reflexes and a quick intellect so I can either talk my way out or run them over before they get a chance hopefully. I have mace at work and I'd really like to get some for myself..

A lot of people around here carry tasers.. I think that's going to far. And my highschool bf had to have a pistol with him where ever he went which was WEIRD>