Here’s a link to an interesting article and video about a new self defense gadget that’s currently being tested. It’s a jacket which delivers an 80,000 volt electric shock to anyone touching it from the outside (the inside is insulated so that the wearer doesn’t get harmed). The jacket needs to be armed and charged by the wearer and has the benefit of being non-lethal and not easily used against the wearer. One drawback mentioned in the article is that it would be difficult for officers to arrest a woman wearing the jacket.
What if your attacker just punches you in the face?
Humans differ… if it’s powerful enough to stun the “average” person, it will kill SOMEBODY, and will have no noticeable effect on somebody else. For safety, the makers naturally tone them down so they won’t kill anybody.
One time, I was with some guys who were playing with one of those hand-held electric stunners… none of us even fell down when zapped. Sure, it hurts, but that just makes you angry.
Slashdot mentioned this when the Wired article was posted.
It won’t stop someone determined to assault you and it certainly won’t stun them. If the mugger pulls a weapon, kicks you or knocks you down from behind, the jacket won’t help you.
yes, what if the wearer arms the jacket, but her weakened-heart spouse/child/friend/aquaintance wanted to touch her shoulder instead of screaming her name?
