Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["VanGaasbeck, Darlene S" <>]

I am really disappointed to see this (national center on domestic and
sexual violence selling pepper spray from pepperface.com). I sincerely
hope it is not true. Is this a scam to get people to buy the product?
Ross Wantland quite succinctly stated the issue when she said in SAPC
digest Vol 711, issue 1," As we have spoken about on these lists before,
self-defense can be an important and empowering skill, but not when it
is promoted as the ultimate solution for ending sexual violence." 

Whenever I see something like this I am compelled to educate about
popular self defense myths when the opportunity arises, respectfully,
here it is. 

I am a trained instructor in aerosol defense and know first hand that
pepper sprays should never be touted as an effective defense tool by
itself nor should it be used in place of risk reduction strategies. The
best "self defense" is to minimize those situations or factors that
increase vulnerability to assault happening in the first place. Physical
defense is a possible means of extrication from, *not prevention* of
sexual assault. The word prevention is really a misnomer. Until society
changes sexual assault is not really prevented at all.  

There are two important myths everyone should be aware of. *Myth 1*:
Chemical sprays are often advertised as stopping an assailant and as a
very effective defensive tool. They are not effective when used as a
sole defense strategy and sprays do not stop an assailant. Pepper/mace
type sprays are chemical irritants and only make an assailant
uncomfortable (irritate eyes, throat, lungs) they do not stop the
assailant from committing an assault since the assailant still has full
use of physical aggression. Tests by several self defense organizations
show that the sprays are ineffective against a goal oriented assailant
such as a rapist. Chemical irritation is ignored until the goal is
achieved. Additionally, the products are not dated typically so the
chemicals can be very old decreasing irritant effects, and factors like
the delivery system, size of canister have significant affects on the
capacity of the spray to irritate.  Sprays should not be used alone but
as one tool along with other defensive strategies such as physical
defense, yelling, risk reduction etc. 

*Myth 2*. Effective self defense is comprised of solely physical defense
and/or the use of defensive devices. Effective self defense is comprised
of a wide range of tools and strategies used before, during, and after a
violent confrontation. Risk reduction is 90% of self defense. Physical
defense and the use of personal defensive weapons like keychain/chemical
sprays do not replace the other 90% of self defense. 

Of course, I am not promoting risk reduction as the ultimate means to
prevent sexual assault either. Our society has to change, the passive
majority of bystanders and facilitators, all must be transformed to
active agents in changing society to a non-supportive environment (of
sexual violence) before sexual violence can truly be prevented. 

Darlene VanGaasbeck
Self Defense Educator
RAD certified Aerosol defense Instructor

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Message: 1
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2007 11:42:16 -0500
From: "Ross A Wantland" 
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Subject: Pepperface & Prevention?
To: 
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Hey everyone,

I don't know if you've heard of this organization before, but
Pepperface.com suggests that finally women can be both stylish AND
responsible for violence inflicted upon them (sarcasm intended). But
perhaps they say it best when they say, "At Pepperface.com(tm)
innovation and style converge with social responsibility - reinventing
the vital topic of personal safety. Now being fashionable can save your
life - seriously." This was sent to sorority officers at our university,
and I believe the rest of you might be interested in knowing about how
Pepperface is framing sexual violence. As we have spoken about on these
lists before, self-defense can be an important and empowering skill, but
not when it is promoted as the ultimate solution for ending sexual
violence. 

Peace,

Ross

Ladies,

     I am contacting each of you as the month of April quickly
approaches.  Each of your names has been given to because of your
philanthropic work on behalf of women's issues such as sexual assault.
Sexual assault is one of the most under reported crimes, yet almost
every minute, a woman in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.  I am sure that
each of you is probably already aware of the staggering statistics,
particularly on college campuses. 
     I work for a company in Chicago called Pepperface.  Pepperface has
designed and is marketing a revolutionary new self defense unit for
women.   The Pepperface Palm Defender unit is sleek, stylish and easy to
use if necessary.  Most women have absolutely no idea that there is
device on the market that is affordable, attractive and very effective.
Pepperface has partnered with the National Center on Domestic and Sexual
Violence.  With the NCDSV we have launched the Prevention Purple
campaign.  The Pepperface Palm Defender is the designated awareness
symbol for this campaign.  A portion of the proceeds from each
prevention purple unit sold goes directly to the NCDSV.       I would
appreciate each of you considering allowing me the
opportunity to come and speak to your sorority.   This is such an
important issue and Pepperface has the perfect product to allow women to
become proactive in their own personal safety.  I would also like to
know if any of your organizations have any special projects scheduled
for the month of April that I can assist you with.  A big part of this
problem can be addressed with education and awareness that will lead to
prevention. 
     Please contact me at any time.  It would be a great idea for you
each to take a few minutes to visit our website ( www.pepperface.com
<http://www.pepperface.com/>   code B1) to familiarize yourself with our
product and what we are trying to accomplish.   I am attaching a couple
of pictures of what our product looks like.  I hope to be hearing from
each of you very soon.   Thank you for your time and consideration.   Be
Safe!

Betzi Meyer

Pepperface.com <http://pepperface.com/>