Each year hundreds family across the UK, get the knock on the door we pray would never come. As a nation we are plagued by knife crime, sexual and physical assaults on a daily basis, and the dangers are not going anywhere.
While most countries have the right to defend themselves in the situation of an attack. In the U.K. we are defenceless and the possession of pepper spray can land you a hefty prison sentence, in an already over crowded system.
The advice given by authorities is, run, hide and call for help. What if you are in a wheel chair? What if you are in high heels, or perhaps there is no means for escape? What if your phone is dead? or the attacker ambushed you without warning?
When running is no longer an option. You have only one option. Submit, or use force equal to that of an attacker.
What then if you are a 4’11, 110 pound woman fending off a 6’4, 250 male? How do you defend yourself?
All weapons are illegal in the UK, but surprisingly people who don’t abide by the law tend to not care about these boundaries.
With police resources being stretched, and with an average response time of 16 minuets, people deserve to feel safe, and protected walking the streets.
The counter argument to legalising pepper spray is the same as any other form of weapon. The spray can be used by an attacker.
I have three key points to combat this argument.
- Licenses.
- Training.
- Equaliser.
Licenses.
I believe that pepper spray should be obtained by people who have a license. This license will restrict under 18s from being able to obtain them, and will have background checks and security restrictions for those able to obtain it.
If you have a violent, or antisocial criminal background. You will not be able to obtain a pepper spray within 5 years of your last offence or for those with serious crimes, a lifetime ban.
These licenses will cost £10 a year, and with it a training session will be given.
Training.
To get a license, someone must undergo training. This training will help to reduce any accidents when using a pepper spray, allow practical demonstrations and first hand experience on how to use a canister safely and effectively.
Training is mandatory.
Equaliser
If someone if going out there way to do harm to someone they will do it with or without pepper spray. Someone walking down the street, or taking the tube has with no criminal intent is already at a disadvantage. This is equal the playing field, or at best, stop any further damage from being done.
If you are interested in helping this legislation, please sign the petition below, and please, take the time to share on all social media platforms.
Uncharted Thoughts. 
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