Petition to legalise non concealed weapons in Scotland for use and purchase by over 18s for self defence purposes. 

Currently the only legal and non lethal way to protect yourself in Scotland is with an alarm and red paint spray which can be useful in certain places and circumstances but with many young women, disabled individuals and older adults afraid to walk home or go for a run alone and even worried in their own homes more effective devices are definitely needed. 

Knife crime devastates life’s. Blades three inches and under are legal to carry for self defence in Scotland. Injures caused by knives and other blades can be fatal. I believe if there were more efficient non lethal alternatives these would be used instead and knife crime would go down in Scotland. 

Young men who are more likely to carry knives than alarms marketed towards women would benefit from the legalisation of non lethal weapons. 

Self defence skills are important to learn but not everyone is able to defend themselves effectively with their own body.

This may be due to physical disabilities or even trauma. The legalisation of non lethal weapons would make disabled people become more independent and be less fearful. 

People who may be concerned about the misuse of these weapons can be assured these are non lethal weapons which will only be able to be purchased, carried and used by over 18 year olds for self defence; Anyone selling or distributing to under 18s or misusing these weapons can still be prosecuted. 

Please sign to give adults more safety, freedom and independence across.