This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Petition Legalise carrying and using pepper spray for self-defence
Pepper spray is a popular self-defence tool used around the world. However, in the UK, it is illegal to possess or use pepper spray, labelled a "firearm". If legalised, it can empower people to defend themselves against attackers, and could help provide opportunities to escape a dangerous situation.
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According to the Office for National Statistics, in the year ending March 2021, there were 55,000 recorded offences of rape, with women accounting for almost 90% of victims. Additionally, there were an estimated 773,000 victims of sexual assault for the year ending March 2020, with women accounting for almost 80% of victims.
With the legalisation of pepper spray, we believe these numbers can be reduced drastically, and women can feel a lot safer walking home from work or a night out.
This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months