Sorry, but I just had to start a new thread about this as I was afraid that it may have been overlooked if added to the thread below.

First of all, Pepper spray is a false sense of security.  I ought to know......I learned the hard way.  While a senior in high school, one of my teachers had "mace" as an attachment on her keychain.  I immediately bought one for myself as well.  Shortly thereafter, having moved to NYC I was attacked by a stranger with a knife in my back.  I opened the mace and as soon as we were face to face, he put the knife to my throat and took my mace away.  And yes, he did use the mace on me as well.

My point is that unless it is an animal attack or someone who is unarmed, mace is absolutely useless, and can be used against you.  If saying this can help at least one lady, I'm glad.  In this day and age, and in this country, most criminals carry weapons which can  be used against you.  I'm sorry but if you have a knife against your throat(or at your eye which also happened during my attack), you are not going to use that mace.

The most ladies can do in these times is use the brains we were given and be aware of our surroundings.  

As for the lady who is being stalked, yes, by all means, get a restraining order.  It may not stop him, but at least there is a record in the event that he does something.

Please be careful everyone.  And if you have to carry something for security, try an air horn or something obnoxiously loud.  Anything to get people to take notice as to what is going on. Crimes are less likely to occur when other people are around. Remember that things which are to be used against the bad guys can be turned around and used on us as well.  Thanks for listening to me rant.

-- Modified on 7/31/2006 3:05:21 PM

The last person I would want to contradict would be the lovely Roxanne, but I find I must rant as well. To start with there is a big difference between Mace and Pepper spray although the two terms are often used to mean the same thing they are not. Mace is rarely sold today as the pepper spray is much more effective. I must agree it is less effective in a situation where someone has direct contact with your person although if they don't see it comming Pepper spray is most likely to cause them to let go of you at which time you should flee the area and not return. Roxanne is correct in the situation she found herself in she had little use for a chemical spray.

An application of Pepper Spray does not prevent the assailant from doing you harm but it might give them pause and at that point enought time to beat a hasty retreat. Use lots of the product, sometimes the first blast could miss their face so keep it comming until they have a snoot full then get away. Even with their eyes swollen closed and their nose running like Niagra Falls if they get hold of you they can still do you harm. After using this product get away and stay away. They might feign all manner of medical problems do not return to render first aid, call the paramedics for this purpose. The person can still hurt you and may try to entice you to return to their side.

If the product is used outside you must keep in mind the wind. If the wind blows it back in your face even your retreat will be difficult. It is a difficult time to think of the wind but if you can feel the wind at your back let it go.

The key ring type canisters have a limited amount of the active ingredient, about 1 to 2 seconds, the better containers are larger and will contain more of the product. If you are  walking in a darkend or secluded area it is advised that you have it in your hand at the ready.

The first aid for Pepper spray is large amounts of tap  water on the effected areas and  time.

Back at the bank I had to train my personnel on the use of this product coming to and from the bank in the dark and on occasion they were approached and sent their attacker fleeing in discomfort, it works and it renders no lasting effects.

For those who are so inclined Taser International is now marketing a Taser for the general public for about $1000 each. They will come out and give an individual traing about the device and if you should use it they suggest that you drop it at the scene still connected to your attacker. They are willing to replace the device if one of their clients uses it and does not get it back.

Now my rant has ended. thanks Banker

overused often generic term. A quality product will be highly effective if used correctly....as for weapons. The two most useful weapons for normal use are a good sharp #2 pencil and a rolled up newspaper. Both are actually quite lethal if properly used. Even a credit card is excellent....the real key is awareness and intent. Once someone gets within 6 feet of you you need to realize you are effectively engaged. Even a gun wont help you if you deploy it to late...

Get a CCW.