Personal Safety

[JustineM]

I know this is a very important subject, especially for the trans-individual 
What measures do you take to ensure your personal safety? Maybe also some tips or suggestions for others to consider.

 

I personally hold a CCW license and carry a small pistol. I also train every chance I get. Wisconsin also allows for open carry firearms so  if I feel like being blatantly obvious I can do that too. 

[Jackie C.]

I don't do much honestly. I avoid being alone at night and stay away from dangerous areas.

 

Kind of soft and helpless when I think about it.

 

Hugs!

[JustineM]

@Jackie C. avoidance of a fight is definitely preferable. Personally I would recommend at least some self defense courses so you could defend yourself if the unthinkable becomes unavoidable.

[Jackie C.]

You're not wrong. I was thinking the same thing. I just need to figure out where I can scrape up the time and resources.

 

Hugs!

[ToniTone]

I took muay thai lessons as a teen, and also TAed a women's self defense class. I got into a lot of fights/been attacked a number of times back then, but my training helped me hold my own. 

 

There are probably better forms for self defense. But a lot of us girls have weaker muscles than we did in the past. Muay Thai is a strike form, no grappling/wrestling, except for cllinches and how to break them-which is crucial to self defense. And it's a tough form! I'm biased for it, but it's an awesome formbI recommend. Really you can't go wrong with any form you choose. 

 

I'm smarter and more reserved than when I was younger. As mentioned, staying in or only travelling well-lit populated streets at night is a smart move to make. I don't want to fight anymore, and am concerned for my safety being trans and a woman. So I try to be wise about where and how I walk. But my training gives me some confidence that if something unavoidable happens, I'll stand a chance. 

 

Stay safe y'all ?

~Toni

[ShawnaLeigh]

Vermont has open carry laws too but I have yet to do so.  I have considered it though now that I have noticed my strength and over all size much less then it was before.   Though I am rarely in a situation to be out after dark.

I am old...LOL

[TommieAnne]

This is just my opinion, but I am a licensed concealed carrier and would never open carry (exception being on my own property out in the boonies) because it makes you the first target for people who already have bad intentions. I'd much rather appear quiet and unassuming so I can make the decision about whether to present my firearm.

Most of the time when I carry, it's a full sized pistol.

On those occasions I cannot carry, I have many years of martial arts (Chinese and Okinawan) training from before, during and after my military service.

But like the firearm, it's not broadcast and it's certainly a last resort. It takes many years of training and hard work to be effective in hand to hand fighting.

Avoidance using your head is still the best self defense weapon.

Again, just my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

[Carolyn Marie]

This topic has come up many times over the years, and is always timely.  As a former law enforcement officer, I'd say that situational awareness is key to personal safety.  Not going to sketchy areas in the wee hours of the morning, not going to places (especially alone) that are prone to trouble, like bars, and for MtFs, not assuming that every guy who makes eyes at you has good intentions.  Chances are high that they don't.  I don't give these recs because I just thought them up; I've been on this site for 11 years and heard so many horrid stories of disasters that almost came to pass, and a few that actually did.

 

For myself, I don't own a firearm and wouldn't carry if I did.  I do carry bear spray and a palm size Taser in my handbag, and when I'm taking a solo walk or in a sketchy area, I'll palm the bear spray or hook it to my belt.  They won't always be enough, I know, and running away is always a good option if you can.  Having the PD on speed dial is also a good idea. I live in a fairly nice area, but I know that evil lurks even here.  Keep your eyes on a swivel, folks, and be safe out there.

 

Carolyn Marie

[KymmieL]

Living in Wyoming,we can carry concealed w/out a permit. I however want to get my CCW for the ability to carry in other states.

 

I recently picked up a mid size automatic to fit better in a purse or carry concealed. While I have yet to do it. I know with 8+ years of weekly use of force briefings. I still have it engraved in my head.

 

Kymmie

[ShawnaLeigh]

1 hour ago, KymmieL said:

8+ years of weekly use of force briefings.

Kymmie you’re a Jedi?!?!?  Heck I wouldn’t worry if I were a Jedi!   

[tracy_j]

As I have mentioned in the past - I have seen things happen in an instant. Far too quickly for the average person to react.To carry a weapon means one really has to have experience with it so to be able to react quickly and correctly. This takes training. I remember that, even though only an air pistol I had, my father did not want it in the house in case a burglar used it on him. That does happen to some unlucky (or not careful) people.

 

Situational awareness is something, I think, natural for a woman and essential. It's more valuable than any weapon.

 

Tracy

[Charlize]

 There are certainly times when i have to move in areas that are somewhat dangerous.  I try to always travel with a friend or if i have to be alone i keep my eyes open and try to have an escape route.  I want to avoid conflict not arm in preparation.  As a child i felt i could protect myself with a pocket knife but today i choose to avoid any dangerous situations.  I have spent some time believing in a non violent approach as practiced by the Quakers (Society of Friends).  I can defend myself but the idea of hurting or killing other humans isn't one i want to prepare for.  Avoidance is the path i would much rather choose.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Jani]

1 hour ago, Charlize said:

Avoidance is the path i would much rather choose.

This is my approach as well.   

[VickySGV]

I spent 35 years in a civil law enforcement career where we did not "carry iron" and the key for us to avoid problems was to know where we were going and what to expect ahead of times, and if our good sense said "don't go there" we did not go there. 

[JustineM]

I appreciate all the responses. I hope this hasn't become a controversial debate on carry laws.  I was only hoping to offer suggestions and tips for others.  I only posted that I carry because it is what I'm used to.  I've been around firearms since I was a kid.  I would much rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

 

As far as concealed vs open; I work armed security for armoured truck service so, again, I'm used to having an open firearm.  Usually if I'm off I will conceal, but I have had OC save my butt at least twice.  All it took was a slight turn so they could see my weapon and they turned and ran.  Didn't even have to touch it.

 

I will always advocate for situational awareness and avoidance vs looking for a fight.  I believe in the adage "walk a mile to avoid a fight, but if one should come, win at all costs."  I hope and pray that I never have a situation where I would actually need to use any kind of force though.

[KymmieL]

5 hours ago, Charlize said:

 Avoidance is the path i would much rather choose.

 

This has been the way I have been trained to do.

11 hours ago, ShawnaLeigh said:

Kymmie you’re a Jedi?!?!?  Heck I wouldn’t worry if I were a Jedi!   

Yes, young padawan  I keep my pink light sabre ready.

 

The arming/ use of force was a briefing given every four days when we went to the missile field. Any Air Force Security police gets this briefing.

 

Kymmie

[ShawnaLeigh]

7 hours ago, KymmieL said:

Yes, young padawan  I keep my pink light sabre ready

I think I love you.  Lol

Yes I have heard it too being a weapons specialist in the AF.  

[Laura76]

On 1/3/2020 at 1:01 PM, TammyAnne said:

While you ware on Okinawa, was the style Shorinju, or what is now called Okinawa Karate? 

 

 

 

 

[TrIIIy]

I highly recommend aikido as a self-defense martial art. I did it for only a couple of years, but I understand enough of it to see that it is a great way to get out of/end trouble. There are no strikes in it. It is only defense. I wish that my old dojo were still open. I’d be there every week.

[ToniTone]

I always wanted to take aikido. It looks effective. 

[DonnaBall]

I was always afraid to fight my whole life and when I was a kid I got picked on a lot and was afraid to stand up to the bullies.  That's one of the reasons I wanted to be a girl.  The girls can be mean to each other but it never involves being physically hurt so I thought it was much safer to be a girl. 

 

As far as avoiding danger, most cis women know how to do that.  You will never see a woman alone at night on a lonely street.  They have a good sense for their vulnerability and don't take risks. We need to think like a woman.  Hey...... we are women! 

[AdriannaB]

I have pepper spray in my purse and yes,I have had to use twice.I have my CCW as well

[Carolyn Marie]

2 hours ago, AdriannaB said:

I have pepper spray in my purse and yes,I have had to use twice.I have my CCW as well

 

Was it effective?

 

Carolyn Marie

[AdriannaB]

1 hour ago, Carolyn Marie said:

 

Was it effective?

 

Carolyn Marie

Yes used right

[DonnaBall]

I think pepper spray is a good idea Adriana.  I have carried it when I was out as Donna.  Can you elaborate on the incident when you used it? 

 

Donna