If you’ve ever walked alone, you know feelings of vulnerability can creep up on you very fast, sometimes making you too nervous to turn a corner. Don’t get me wrong, these feelings are usually exaggerated; however, this doesn’t mean you should walk around unprotected. The problem is, most people learn this lesson only after they’ve been assaulted or robbed.

To prevent you from becoming a victim, self-defense items can be your first and, in many cases, only line of defense against an unexpected attacker. If the attacker is unaware that you have a weapon, you have a better chance to get away safely. This is the edge you could use to overcome a dangerous situation.

• Stun Guns/Tasers – These are very effective self-defense weapons that can easily be concealed in a purse or pocket. But if you really want to catch an attacker by surprise, choose a stun gun disguised as a Cell Phone. An attacker will assume you are unaware of their presence giving you the opportunity to catch them off guard.

• Pepper Spray/Mace – These canisters are very easy to conceal in a purse or on a Keychain. But if you need something more discreet, pepper sprays disguised as something innocent, like Lipstick, a Pen, or a Ring, are also available. These will leave your attacker rolling on the ground in pain, not knowing what hit them.

The secret to being safe isn’t always to put up a strong front. If you’re aware of your surroundings and prepared, a potential attacker will be unaware that they are about to receive a very painful surprise.