Whats a good way for a woman to protect herself?

Question

What are the best ways for a woman to protect herself physically? Long story short there's a freaky guy in my apartment building who I have caught a few times standing infront of my door in such a way I wondered if he had keys. I saw him today and he asked if he could come use my phone. Of course I said hell no. That is what scared me.

I don;t need long term solutions-like changing locks, gettin a dog and talking to my landlord-I just need something to help me sleep tonight. I am in Canada so no pepper spray or guns. I have heard many 'victims' get assulted with thier own weapons and am not sure if that's true but it's enough to keep me from keeping a knife under the bed. I moved something infront of the front door already but have no peace. Whatever can I do to feel safer tonight aside from the phone under my pillow.

Answer 1

There are very loud door alarms that can be placed on doors and very loud window alarms for singles who travel a lot -- go to your local store and ask for these items. Most are installed by just contact stickers .. but the loud noise will REALLY wake you up and it will discourage any potential predator if they know everyone in the building is also awake.

I would also TELL the Landlord about the situation .. if the guy is hanging around all the time that you come and go .. standing in FRONT of your door at odd times, and other suspicious behaviors .. then the LANDLORD needs to be INFORMED (as well as the Mounties/Local Constabulary). This may be a predator that they are monitoring, so you are RIGHTLY Concerned.

Do this in the morning ... go to the local department store or hardware store and ASK about alarms for doors/windows for apartments that won't require drilling, whatever.

Answer 2

Orange spray paint in the face (marks him and may impair vision)... or a squirt bottle full of a noxious chemical. I would call and report to the cops that you are concerned about his behavior. They might have some advice for you. It's not sounding good bc he is doing this repeatedly and you need to realize you could be in serious danger. The problem is once you doze off if he gains entry you may not hear him til it's too late. Is there a friend you can call to stay with you?

Stack up some noisy items in front of the door so if the door is opened the noise will altert you. You can use tin cans, pots & pans, anything with a bell on it (like from Christmas) if you have one.

Also, the first place he'd look is your bed. So take your blankets and pillows, sleep in the bathtub with the door locked. Be sure to have your cell phone and personal "weapons" in there as well. It would buy you some time IF he does get in. Windows are easily accessible, esp. basement windows. In addition, he could gain entry while you are gone and be waiting inside when you are in the door. Is there any way you can move out temporarily or permanently?

Also, I once read a book by Gavin DeBecker "The Gift of Fear" and I sent it to my daughter and a friend got it as well. I never though much about that stuff until I read that book and now I'm much more aware of my surroundings, it has great tips in there.

Answer 3

Always be aware of your surroundings, put a brick in your purse, I have a gun but you said you did not want one I don't know why the bad guys got them, tonight I would put every heavy object in front on all doors but you do need to do the long term stuff I try to warn my daughters also. Put things in front of the door that if it could be open would fall and make a loud crashing sound, if you jam that door shut there is no way he can get in. But bring someone home tomorrow with you to check it out there are master keys and crooks and rapist carry lots of keys, and yes get a visious dog.

Oh and one more thing let him know you are aware of him he may back down, also I think that stuff you use to get fake nails off comes in a spray or a spray bottle with bleach and pepper mix should help anyone trying to hurt you.

Answer 4

Keep a knife under the pillow-just in case. Keep your curtains closed, keep a light on, and maybe ask someone to spend the night with you. Your going to have to become proactive, this has obviously been going on for awhile. Talk to your landlord, change your locks, etc.. ASAP! Also, don't let this guy think that you are afraid of him, many times, weirdos get excited by a victims fear. Get window locks. Take a kickboxing class, and if you must, get a restraining order. Suerte!

Answer 5

well dear i took tae kwondo i would not sleep with a knife that would be used against you.. take an ambien something to sleep he hasnt broke in your door in the last hr its to late to ask someone to sleep over.. this isnt right ya know to be anxiety up all night in the am call the cops.. you should in the long run do what i suggest before its to late as he may be watching your moves.. coming and going.. you can do all what i said in the next week get a fake alarm pretend to lock many locks skip the dog then and pepper spray take a course in protection soon i wouldnt be intimidated i would call the cops tomorrow they can watch the house few days

Answer 6

That's a tough one. Maybe call someone to come stay with you. I would say pepper spray or a taser but your in Canada. Make sure all doors and windows are locked. If there is someone who could stay the night with you or someone you could crash with for the night it would probably be the safest and the most comfortable for you.

Answer 7

Call the mountees (spelling?) immediately and report the suspicious behaviors. This man could already be out on a warrant or have a crazy background, or could be an escaped convict or parolee. Give a good physical description. You need to do this. I would also call your friends and ask someone to come over.

Answer 8

Self defense classes are a great idea for both men and women. They give you confidence and are a great way to get into shape. Kickboxing, karate, boxing, or any other for of self defense will provide you with a means of defending yourself without the danger of owning a weapon. Owning something like mace or pepper spray is a nice idea, but if you can't get to those items or if they are taken away from you, they are pointless,

Answer 9

You are only going to get in trouble for pepper spray or a gun if you end up using it. And if you need to use it who cares about legal trouble when you could end up raped or dead? Yes guys are stronger and meaner and are not intimidated by you holding a knife.

Answer 10

Whatever weapon you decided to have, be prepared to use it. If you are not, that is when they will take it from you and use it.

The South Louisiana Serial Killer, Derick Todd Lee, used the same technique to secure his victims. Knocking on doors and asking to use to phone. He would also watch them from a distance for some time before attacking. I'm not trying to scare you, but please be on guard.