What things in my purse could be used as self defense?

Question

If I were to be attacked in a parking lot or something and had my purse, what sort of everyday things could be used as a means of self-defense? I already carry pepper spray with me. What else should I have handy to protect myself? Please, serious answers only. Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

If your purse is anything like my mother's is, you can use IT! Her's is HUGE, and heavy! She could knock out a pro wrestler with that thing.

Answer 2

Your best defense is being aware of your surroundings without looking like prey. An element of surprise upon your attacker is a great benefit. Have what you want to use ready. If attacked you will not have time to fumble in your purse. If they know you're going for something they'll be ready for it. You can carry a small knife or metal nail file. You can get a concealed carry permit and gun if you are comfortable with that. You can carry a whistle or better yet an air horn, like a 'Zound.' They're actually made for bicycles but it's VERY loud and draws immediate attention. You can carry a cane with a solid core. There are any number of actual weapons you can obtain for protection. Whether they are overkill or not depends on you're actual situation. Nothing beats the buddy system though if you are able to implement that. Take a self defense class. Often your best weapon is your own body and state of mind. You can't go anywhere without them. ;)

Answer 3

I think that if you were attacked out of the blue in a parking garage you would not have enough time to grab something out of your purse. I am a girly girl, but I know how to throw down...even with guys. I know that if something happend to me I would do alright and hopefully make it out or at least to my phone. You should take self defense courses or take a boxing class. That would be perfect for any situation! Then you could hit them...stall them and then spray em with the pepper spray! BE CONFIDENT. If you carry a lighter and use it as a fist pack when you throw a punch it makes the punch better and your hand won't break so easily. If you are truly scared to death you may want to posses a firearm..legally. There are so many things you could do without a weapon....kick em in the balls, poke their eyes, upper cut and book. I think you should learn some things instead. Good luck

Answer 4

There are many ordinary objects that can serve as self-defense weapons. Your keys for instance held between your fingers can do a lot of damage to an attackers face and eyes. A simple pen can be used as a stabbing weapon, but this would require a lot of force. The purse itself would make a pretty good sap, or club and something that looks valuable, such as an extra wallet or a wad of dollar bills can be thrown off as a distraction.

Answer 5

If you are walking alone at night, even if it is only to your car, you should carry your keys in hand and have them positioned between your fingers. If someone comes up from behind you and trys to grab you or your purse, you then have your keys ready in position to attack. Aim for the eyes. Then get in your car and lock the doors and drive away as quickly as possible. Also, a metal nail file can be used in self defense against an attacker. Do this especially if you are parked in a covered parking structure...in any public place (like the mall)...also, always be aware of your surroundings...be alert.

Answer 6

Cynthia, your best info is going to come from your local police dept, as well as maybe taking a self defense class. Try to remember S I N G..........S= shoulder/elbow to the gut, I=instep, stomp as hard as you can, N=nose, using the heal of your hand shoving the nose upward and inward, and G= groin, knee the attacker in the family jewels. Also many feel that yelling for help cause people to be less likely to get involved. Be sure to yell FIRE! or AMBER ALERT! or KIDNAPPER! Being informed and knowledgeable about keep your self is the safest thing you can do for yourself. Also, you might feel a little more empowered if you visit with a self defence instructor of a female police officer. Living in fear is a terrible waste of your time. Good luck and take care. Jackie b

Answer 7

Pepper spray... (heck - just about ANY chemical spray like hairspray or perfume or even binaca into an attacker's eyes will stun / temporarily blind 'em) ... gouge into 'em with your keys (hold 'em in your fist with the keys protruding through your finger) ... nail files... anything with some weight - even a roll of quarters when held in your fist can be a dangerous weapon... if your purse has any significant weight to it - hit 'em with the whole bloody purse.

Other options to check into would be "stun guns" or "tasers" if you're not keen on getting a firearm or bladed weapon. Some states allow "civilians" to carry retractable batons (asps).

Beyond all of that, however - simply be aware of your surroundings and the people who are around you. If you're feeling threatened - get to a crowd... a well lit area... have 9-1-1 ready on your cell phone (maybe key that into your speed-dial)... always wear decent "walking shoes" that you can run in, if it comes down to it. There are also "personal alarms" available -- just loud screaming devices which you can use to draw attention in case you need help.

Answer 8

Anything pointy, or sharp will do the trick.

A pen = nothing like a poke in the eye to buy you the time to get away from your attacker.

Your Car Keys = Poke, or scratch them with it.

Powder if you carry facial powder, blow it in their eyes and you may get time enough to get out of there.

If you carry a cosmetic mirror you can break the glass and cut with it.

A Mascara rod = poke in the eye.

Almost anything ... and if all else fails hit 'em with the purse itself hard to distract them so you can leave.

Thinking ahead is your best weapon of all, that way you will be less likely to let your guard down in the first place.

Answer 9

Yes keys and pepper spray are both good. If i was in a bad area i would carry a nice knife on me along with pepper spray. Spay jab Might sound funny but i wouldn't take any chances with my life

Answer 10

Keys, Lipstick, drivers license. Hey I would stick to the peper spray and not have to choose a weapon. Or perhaps carry a small pistole if it is that much of a concern.

Anyhting can be used in self defense if push comes to shove.

Answer 11

If you have a ring of keys in your purse, use them. Hold the ring in your palm, make a fist with the pointy ends of the keys sticking out between your fingers. Aim for the face and eyes of your attacker. If you land a blow, there will be blood. Don't be squeamish, you might save your own life.