# Men Are More Likely to Be Attacked by Strangers, So Why Don't More Carry Protection? *By James Hills, menwhoblog.com — Updated March 2026* Written by: [James Hills](https://menwhoblog.com/james-hills.html) Last Updated: 11 March 2026 Top BlogHits: 2779Reading time: 09:21 Walk through the personal safety aisle at any store and you'll notice something - it's designed almost entirely for women. Pink pepper spray keychains, ads featuring women jogging alone, marketing copy about "staying safe on your commute." Meanwhile, Bureau of Justice Statistics data consistently shows that men face higher rates of violent crime by strangers in public settings - exactly the scenario a night shift worker faces walking to his car at 2am. Working late as a nighttime computer operator in college, I learned quickly that the fear of being attacked in the dark while walking home is a real thing - not paranoia, just reality. What I've found since is that toughness and preparation aren't opposites. ** Questions** No answer selected. Please try again. Please select either existing option or enter your own, however not both. Please select minimum {0} answer(s). Please select maximum {0} answer(s). /polls/shopping-and-consumer-insights/who-helped-you-learn-to-shoot.html?task=poll.vote&format=json 1 ** Father / Grandfather (0 votes / 0%) 0% votes ** NRA or Other Training Class (0 votes / 0%) 0% votes ** Gun Store Or Shooting Range Practice (0 votes / 0%) 0% votes [{"id":103,"title":"I Learned On My Own","votes":0,"type":"x","order":3,"pct":0,"resources":[]},{"id":102,"title":"Father \/ Grandfather","votes":0,"type":"x","order":2,"pct":0,"resources":[]},{"id":101,"title":"NRA or Other Training Class","votes":0,"type":"x","order":1,"pct":0,"resources":[]},{"id":104,"title":"Gun Store Or Shooting Range Practice","votes":0,"type":"x","order":4,"pct":0,"resources":[]}] ["#ff5b00","#4ac0f2","#b80028","#eef66c","#60bb22","#b96a9a","#62c2cc"] ["rgba(255,91,0,0.7)","rgba(74,192,242,0.7)","rgba(184,0,40,0.7)","rgba(238,246,108,0.7)","rgba(96,187,34,0.7)","rgba(185,106,154,0.7)","rgba(98,194,204,0.7)"] 350 ** VoteVotes ** What Night Shift Workers Need to Know About Personal Safety** Working late shifts puts you in situations most people never think about - and the tools that actually help aren't the ones getting marketed to you. - Men are significantly more likely than women to be victimized by strangers in public settings, according to Bureau of Justice Statistics data - which is precisely the threat profile of a night shift worker walking alone. - "Non-lethal" is a marketing term; the more accurate phrase is "less-lethal" - every tool on this list can cause serious injury if misused, which means training matters as much as the tool itself. - Layering matters more than picking the perfect single option - a personal alarm combined with pepper spray gives you a response for situations where physical confrontation isn't viable. - Legal restrictions vary significantly by state and municipality - stun guns, batons, and even certain pepper spray formulations have specific rules about carry and use that you need to check before buying. - Situational awareness is the tool that makes every other tool on this list more effective - most night shift incidents happen because someone stopped paying attention, not because they were unarmed. ** Article Index** [The Stat Nobody Talks About](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#the-stat-nobody-talks-about)[Your Options: Strengths, Weaknesses, and What They Cost](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#your-options-strengths-weaknesses-and-what-they-cost)[Pepper Spray: The Right Starting Point for Most People](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#pepper-spray-the-right-starting-point-for-most-people)[Stun Guns: More Stopping Power, More Responsibility](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#stun-guns-more-stopping-power-more-responsibility)[Tactical Pen: The One You're Already Almost Carrying](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#tactical-pen-the-one-youre-already-almost-carrying)[Metal Expanding Baton: Reach and Deterrent in One](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#metal-expanding-baton-reach-and-deterrent-in-one)[Personal Alarm: The Underrated Option](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#personal-alarm-the-underrated-option)[Keychain Tools: Building Your Everyday Carry](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#keychain-tools-building-your-everyday-carry)[Situational Awareness Is The Key To Self Defense But Men Aren't Paying Attention](https://menwhoblog.com/blog/non-lethal-self-defense-weapons-that-you-should-consider-if-you-work-the-night-shift.html#situational-awareness-is-the-key-to-self-defense-but-men-arent-paying-attention) The good news is that none of this has to be complicated or expensive. Whether you're early in your career pulling overnight shifts to build something, a new dad covering nights so your partner can rest, or just someone who's done assuming the parking lot is safe - there are practical options at every price point. Here's what actually works. ## The Stat Nobody Talks About Personal safety conversations in this country have a blind spot. Women are encouraged - rightly - to carry protection, take classes, and stay aware. Men are largely told to handle it. But Bureau of Justice Statistics data shows that male violent crime victimization rates historically exceeded female rates across nearly every category except sexual assault, and that men are considerably more likely to be victimized by strangers in public spaces. That last part is the night shift problem specifically. Intimate partner violence skews female. Stranger-in-a-parking-lot-at-2am skews male. If you work nights, you're in the higher-risk demographic for the higher-risk scenario - and based on what we hear from readers, you're probably carrying nothing. Before we go further: I'm calling these "non-lethal" because that's the common term, but the more accurate phrase is "less-lethal." Every tool in this article can cause serious injury if used improperly. Buy the tool, then learn to use it. In that order. ## Your Options: Strengths, Weaknesses, and What They Cost | Self-Defense Tool | Strengths | Weaknesses | Typical Cost | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Pepper Spray | Easy to carry, effective, widely legal | Wind affects accuracy, requires aim | $10-$30 | | Pepper Guns | Greater range, visual deterrent | Bulkier, legally complex in some states | $30-$60 | | Tactical Pen | [Discreet, dual-purpose, always on you](https://www.amazon.com/MTP-6-Tactical-Pen-Military-Inspired-Flashlight/dp/B07DY4J11S?crid=2DBRVSKMRQ97C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xxdQglj4zeXIy1U1L8SgQZOLV02JiYl2W6FwyZJmLRwDKNHqTlHjOt-WUe4JP69GpmfpFGl64W0raFtkLBKIVccR2jCYZL-CNnPoCRZNTDUOeIA4Ff5Y_qBjIuJnKEvZpDIRipoaKfBz9MoCTyA_YGxyzUFGz6hGZnANSdfiP1C1sfyAiNPGKkkwb6M4mByl_-WUt9D8Qs6zAIAt_M7Z93gwLdBY6YNf-yHNrTLfn6QfViTS7m1k0MNrthEZcDaA2lqbcFs0BfLNeaeIYQQ579UiHqGTEfDUTNuRO458gB8.QMWjG3T5xBJwemtOCEr44QiKyR8bC4tlUZBF6OY8DGs&dib_tag=se&keywords=tactical+pen&qid=1772719724&sprefix=tactical+pen%2Caps%2C248&sr=8-18&linkCode=ll2&tag=mantr0c-20&linkId=a9b3ad3b21b6b33b05de5b15918e1f1e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) | Close range only, requires training | $20-$80 | | Stun Gun | Powerful incapacitation, various sizes | Must be close, restricted in some areas | $20-$100 | | Expanding Baton | Reach advantage, blocks attacks | Requires training, restricted in many areas | $20-$60 | | Personal Alarm | [No physical confrontation needed, loud](https://www.amazon.com/Shes-Birdie-Original-Rechargeable-Flashlight/dp/B0F5K3B4Q7?content-id=amzn1.sym.0f5f5a2e-c389-433d-b4ff-e07cb85344dc%3Aamzn1.sym.0f5f5a2e-c389-433d-b4ff-e07cb85344dc&crid=3R2WZ4XW7Q7CE&cv_ct_cx=personal%2Balarm&keywords=personal%2Balarm&pd_rd_i=B0F5K3B4Q7&pd_rd_r=7a3bd24f-b9f3-4941-8580-c42b1f313e90&pd_rd_w=x6hh7&pd_rd_wg=hLNGO&pf_rd_p=0f5f5a2e-c389-433d-b4ff-e07cb85344dc&pf_rd_r=29QKD3J1NRJG3KBEMSBQ&qid=1772719801&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=personal%2Balar%2Caps%2C262&sr=1-1-e169343e-09af-4d41-85b1-8335fe8f32d0-spons&aref=xadyIc23PJ&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=mantr0c-20&linkId=8476b00cffc42c5454d3a08e21a25574&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) | Depends on others responding | $10-$25 | | Keychain Tools | Always accessible, multi-option | Situational, varies by tool | $10-$40 | ## Pepper Spray: The Right Starting Point for Most People If you're new to carrying personal protection, pepper spray is where to start. It's legal in all 50 states (with some restrictions on formulation and concentration), it's affordable - a solid canister runs $15 to $25 - and it works. The active ingredient, capsaicin, causes immediate eye closure, intense pain, and temporary breathing difficulty. A direct hit gives you enough time to get away. If you want more range, pepper guns fire pepper spray projectiles and look similar to a firearm, which adds a deterrent effect. Worth knowing: in Ohio and several other states, pepper guns are regulated and can't be carried concealed without a permit, even though they're not classified as firearms. Check your state before buying. A few handling basics that matter: always know which direction you're pointing it, practice the motion of deploying it so it's not fumbled under stress, and wash your hands immediately after any accidental contact. Readers who work security tell us that practicing the draw motion regularly - even just a few times a week - makes a real difference when the moment actually counts. ## Stun Guns: More Stopping Power, More Responsibility A stun gun delivers an electrical current that temporarily incapacitates an attacker - buying you seconds to escape. Hand-held models require direct contact, while taser-style devices fire probes on wires, giving you distance. That distinction matters a lot when you're thinking through real scenarios. Voltage specs range from 80,000 to several million volts, but the number that matters more is amperage - stun guns are designed with low amperage specifically to incapacitate without causing fatal injury. Higher voltage means faster effect through clothing, not more danger. Legality is genuinely complicated here. Some states prohibit civilian stun gun ownership entirely. Others require permits. Before purchasing, look up your state's specific statutes - not a blog post summarizing them, the actual statutes. Night shift workers tell us this is the step most people skip, and it's the one that matters most. Budget option: basic handheld stun guns start around $20. Worth-the-investment option: a quality taser-style device with range runs $50-$100 and gives you significantly more tactical flexibility. ## Tactical Pen: The One You're Already Almost Carrying A [tactical pen](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/why-every-man-needs-a-tactical-pen-more-than-just-self-defense.html) is aircraft-grade aluminum built into something that looks exactly like a pen. You can take it anywhere - into a building, on public transit, to a job site where other tools aren't practical. That accessibility is its main advantage. What makes it effective as a self-defense tool: 1. **Durability** - Aircraft-grade aluminum holds up under pressure that would destroy a regular pen. 2. **Stealth** - Nobody gives it a second look. It's a pen. --- {"html":""} --- 3. **Versatility** - Many models include glass breakers, which matter in vehicle emergencies. 4. **Always accessible** - It's already in your pocket. The limitation is range - this is a close-quarters tool, and using it effectively requires some training. If you're going to carry one, spend an hour learning the pressure points it's designed for. Quality options run $20-$80. ## Metal Expanding Baton: Reach and Deterrent in One A telescopic baton collapses to 6-9 inches, clips to a belt or fits in a bag, and extends with a flick of the wrist to 16-26 inches. That reach matters - it keeps an attacker at a distance that pepper spray and stun guns don't always allow. The deterrent effect is real and worth understanding. Most situations where someone is being sized up as a potential target end the moment it becomes clear this isn't going to be easy. A visible baton changes that calculation quickly - and guys who work late in higher-risk areas tell us that visible preparation alone has defused situations before they started. These are restricted or outright banned in a significant number of jurisdictions - California, New York, and several others prohibit them for civilian carry. This one requires a hard look at local law before purchase. If it's legal where you are and you're willing to train with it, it's a genuinely effective option. ## Personal Alarm: The Underrated Option A personal alarm doesn't stop an attacker physically - it does something potentially more useful. It eliminates the element of surprise, draws attention, and signals that this is not going to be a quiet, easy incident. Most people looking for an opportunistic target want the opposite of a scene. Modern personal alarms hit 120-130 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a jet engine at close range. Some models include flashing lights or GPS distress signals to preset contacts. Wearable versions attach to wristbands or keychains. At $10-$25, this is the most accessible option on the list - and it's worth carrying even if you have other tools, because there are situations (inside a building, in an elevator, around other people) where a physical tool isn't the right response. It's also the one option with essentially no legal complications anywhere in the country. ## Keychain Tools: Building Your Everyday Carry The keychain category covers several tools worth knowing about: 1. **Kubotan** - A 5-6 inch cylindrical rod used to apply pressure to sensitive points. Legal in most places, effective for creating distance, and completely unremarkable on a keychain. 2. **Pepper spray keychain** - Smaller canister, always attached to your keys. The tradeoff is lower volume, but it's always on you. 3. **Personal alarm keychain** - Same loud-noise principle, always accessible without digging through a bag. 4. **Stun gun keychain** - Compact versions exist; check legality carefully as these are among the most regulated formats. The keychain advantage is consistency. The tool you have when something happens is the one that matters, and keys are something you never leave home without. Readers who've switched to building out a keychain setup tell us it's the change that finally made carrying feel automatic rather than something they had to remember. ## Situational Awareness Is The Key To Self Defense But Men Aren't Paying Attention None of these tools work if you're looking at your phone walking through a dark parking lot. Situational awareness - knowing who's around you, where the exits are, what feels off - is what converts a self-defense tool from theoretical to functional. The real barrier for most guys isn't gear anyway - it's the idea that carrying protection is somehow at odds with being capable. That's a story worth dropping. If you're getting serious about personal safety, [starting self-defense classes](index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2508:thinking-about-starting-self-defense-classes&catid=16:blog&Itemid=162) is worth the investment well before spending money on gear. The physical training matters, but the mental side - learning to read situations and recognize what escalation looks like before it happens - matters more. For guys considering adding a firearm to their approach, [being a responsible gun owner](blog/tips-for-being-a-responsible-gun-owner.html) means training, proper storage, and legal knowledge well beyond what's required for the tools in this article. Start with one tool you'll actually carry consistently - for most people that's pepper spray or a personal alarm, both under $25 and small enough to forget they're there until you need them. The Bureau of Justice Statistics data on stranger violence isn't going away. Neither is the parking lot at 2am. **Hey James Hills wants you to share this!**   ---   Written by: [James Hills](https://menwhoblog.com/james-hills.html) #MenWhoBlog MemberBlog MasterThought Leader James' passion for exploration and sense of duty to his community extends beyond himself. This means he is dedicated to providing a positive role model for other men and especially younger guys that need support so that they can thrive and be future positive contributors to society. This includes sharing wisdom, ideas, tips, and advice on subjects that all men should be familiar with, including: family travel, men's health, relationships, DIY advice for home and yard, car care, food, drinks, and technology. Additionally, he's a travel advisor and a leading men's travel influencer who has been featured in media ranging from New York Times to the Chicago Tribune, and LA Times. He's also been cited by LA Weekly "Top Travel Bloggers To Watch 2023" and featured by Muck Rack: "Top 10 Outdoor Journalists for 2022". He and his wife Heather live in St Joseph, Michigan - across the lake from Chicago. ### Cruises and Resorts Thinking about a cruise or all-inclusive resort vacation? We can help you plan your dream getaway ... 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