In light of the tragic death of Ashling Murphy, who was attacked and murdered in a random broad daylight attack, it's hard not to think about the many other women who have lost their lives by a spouse, acquaintance or complete stranger. Or those attacked and subjected to other unspeakable acts. If you ever felt like you've had to dress more modest so as not to get unwanted attention, or walked with keys in between your fingers when alone at night, if you've ever sent a got home safe text, or changed routes when met with a stranger in the dark. staged a phone call to deter a would be attacker, i think a lot of us have been there. With that said I think women have felt unsafe long enough when walking home alone at night, and now many women will fear doing so in day light now too? Since 1996, 209 woman have lost their lives, and this doesn't include women who have gone missing and not found such as Fiona Pender. Currently objects for self defense such as pepper spray are illegal and can't be granted without a firearm certificate, which makes absolutely no sense. Pepper spray/mace are non lethal self defense tools and surely something that could help a woman feel safer, or help get her out of a dangerous or life threatening situation is something worth considering. Try as they may, gardai cannot keep us all safe from attackers so surely if faced with danger we should be allowed the tools to defend ourselves. Ideally keychains with pepper spray, seatbelt cutters, rape alarm/whistles, window breakers could be carried.  If you agree with this, please sign this petition.