6 weapons most women have with them

As frightening as these statistics are, most women find it hard to believe that they will ever be the victim of an attack. But assaults cross all socio-economic lines, happen in all neighborhoods, and no one is immune.

If you suddenly find yourself in a situation where your are threatened, you have to choose one of three options: fight, flee, or succumb. And this can be one of the most important decisions you make in your life.

Run, scream, and attract attention if you can. But remember this: Everybody has what it takes within them to fight back some way, if that becomes necessary. If there’s no way to avoid confrontation and you’ve got to fight, pull from the deepest part of your being and know that you want to live more than your attacker wants to harm you! Use what you’ve got, and fight! – Tino Struckmann

So, what’s at the ready in the typical woman’s arsenal? Personal safety expert Tino Struckman suggests:

Keys – Bulky keys can be thrown in your attacker’s face. The sharp point of a key, held in your fist and pointed outward, can be aimed at sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose, throat, or genitals.

Hairspray – While not as strong as pepper spray, aimed at an attacker’s eyes and nose it can be distracting enough to provide an opportunity for you to escape.

Perfume – Like hairspray, perfume sprayed at an attacker’s eyes and nose can distract long enough for you to escape. In the house? Lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and contact lens cleaner work much the same way.

Bottles – If attacked in a public place, a glass bottle can work. Hold the bottle by the neck and break off the bottom, leaving a jagged, sharp edge. Don’t try to throw a bottle at an assailant or hit him with it as it takes a hard, well-placed hit to actually knock someone out or do damage with an intact bottle.

Ballpoint pens – Used much like keys, a ball point pen held inside the fist with the point sticking out from between the fingers is a good stabbing weapon to aim towards vulnerable body parts.

Intelligence, Intuition & Common Sense – Your intelligence, intuition, and common sense will go a long way in alerting you to danger and helping you decide how to handle it. They will be your best ally in dealing with an attacker. Use them!

Think Ahead – Going to be out alone at night, walking through a parking lot or in some other exposed area. Carry a handful of coins. Dropping them creates a momentary distraction that just may allow you to escape. Have mace or pepper spray, preferably with a wide dispersal, in your hand. Always be alert and prepared, and if you pick up or take out a weapon, be ready to use it! – Tino Struckmann

Bio: The owner of an international security firm, Tino Struckmann has seen to the personal safety of such well-known figures as Bill Gates, Robert DiNiro, Gloria Gaynor, Danish Queen Margrethe. His company has provided 24-hour security for the concert tours of Britney Spears, Cher, The Rolling Stones and others. Specializing in helping women better protect themselves from stalkers, he has also written an informative book, Stalked, to better educate women about stalkers.