(1) She ABSOLUTELY should not get one. Someone with a handgun, esp a female (most likely physically weaker than a violent thug), who isn’t willing to use it properly - to kill - will have it used on them there is a violent encounter.
And the thug will be willing to use it to kill, possibly after using it to do other violence.
(2) One more word: “Taser.”
She didn't say she wouldn't kill someone if she had to. She said she doesn't want to kill someone. BIG difference.