Thanks for these ideas. I’ve been thinking a lot about buying and learning how to use a gun. My husband has one but I’d like my own. However, I like the idea of having alternatives as well. My gut tells me ratcheting up some self defense is a good idea.
“Buying a gun” is a meaningless gesture. It’s like buying a stove for a person who does not know how to boil water. Since your husband already owns one, and you have access to it, learn to fight with it.
Many will suggest courses that take several days at places like Front Site, Thunder Ranch, etc. These are excellent if you have the time and the money, but if you don’t, find some local teachers that will give you a few hours and teach you how to use deadly force.
If someone grabs you or your purse, immediately grab their hair or ear and with the other hand punch them in the Adams Apple, nose or use your thumb and stab them in the Adams Apple or eye. A knee to the groin, an elbow to the ribs, stomp on their foot with your heel.
Very few attackers expect the victim to fight back. An immediate response stuns them. Don’t stay and fight run. Get some distance between you. Look for anything you can use as a weapon. A chair, ashtray, glass jar of whatever, if there’s other people nearby, scream for help.
An expired credit card that has been sharpened will cut skin just as easy as a knife will. Take a nail file and shave the end at a 45 degree angle.