Women’s self-defense gets some style
There’s a growing trend in the firearms and self-defense industries of marketing exclusively to women. From the pink-colored Beretta Nano 9mm to surprisingly stylish conceal-carry purses, manufacturers are increasingly zeroing in on this once-overlooked demographic.
One such company, Damsel in Defense, a direct sales company, takes that emphasis to the next level with a laser-like focus. According to regional representative Jamie DeJesus, Damsel in Defense provides products that instill “confidence to know that [women] are protected if a situation arises.” Founded in 2011, the company donates a portion of all proceeds to charities, such as RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), WipeEveryTear.org, and Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS).
And for good cause. According to the non-profit RAINN, “1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed rape; 2.8% attempted rape).” Additionally, the National Center for Victims of Crime cites statistics numbering 6.6 million people being stalked each year in the United States.
“I came across Damsel in Defense in April and realized that this is a company with a product that I could believe in. With the statistics of crimes against women on the rise this is a product that becomes a need and not a want,” says DeJesus. “We are a nationwide company, but newer to this area, so I am doing my best to help protect as many women as I can.”
DeJesus’ product line includes so-called “less than lethal” options, like stun guns. “Basically, we have everything a woman would need to defend themselves, from stun guns to portable alarms,” says DeJesus. The stun guns are petite and weigh in at only 4.4 ounces, but they pack a whopping 7.5 million volts — enough to deter any potential aggressor. “Our stun guns may be small, but they can easily incapacitate an attacker. Currently we offer five different options to choose from that range from 1 million volts to 7.5 million volts.” Each are available in a variety of colors, including pink, lime, and teal.
Their 2-million Scoville Heat Unit (hot!) pepper spray comes in two flavors: a 0.5 oz keychain model capable of spraying out to 16 feet, and 2.0 oz full-sized version with a reach of 22 feet. “Our pepper sprays are the hottest available on the market with 18% OC (oleoresin capsicum) and also contain a UV dye so that police can use to later identify the attacker after he washes his face,” says DeJesus. Damsel in Defense claims the pepper spray even works on those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. What’s more, the keychain models are offered with optional faux leather cases.
Additional DiD products include Hot Lil’ Hand (great for the jogger, featuring a pepper spray dispenser nestled in a one-size-fits-all grip glove), Take 2 (two full ounces of spray available in four cute dispenser designs), Kubotans (pen-like self-defense weapons on a keychain), Junk in the Trunk auto emergency kit (complete with jumper cables, emergency food bar, water pouch, battery-free LED flashlight, 36-piece first aid kit, and more), as well as other innovative personal security options.
What does DeJesus, a mother of four, consider her favorite item? The Where’s Yo Baby child monitor. “I don’t have little ones anymore, but with children being forgotten and left behind or possibly lost in the crowd, I love this. This can provide peace of mind for a parent with an active child. It is a keychain for mom or dad, and an alarm that the child wears. It has an adjustable signal on the receiver that can be adjusted [in sensitivity] from 3–21 feet. When the child goes beyond the set distance the parent’s receiver will beep.”
These products are perfect for all women, and they make terrific gifts. If you’re interested in learning more, you can call DeJesus at (484) 541-3017 or visit her online at www.MyDamselPro.net/BeProtected. DeJesus is also available for Personal Protection Parties, where the hostess has the opportunity to earn credits for free products. According to DeJesus, online orders “are processed and shipped very quickly so the customer will have their products within a matter of days.”
