Here in Australia (and I suspect the UK is very similar), it's in fact illegal to have ANYTHING that could be described as a weapon in your possession in public. That includes pocket knives, pepper spray (which is illegal for private possession here), everything. If you're caught with those items you could be charged. It's ridiculous.
The following is a link from the Queensland police website on the subject of self defense, and it is almost disgusting and borderline dangerous.
http://www.police.qld.gov.au/programs/personalSafety/generalAdvice/options.htmWorse is that I found that page several years ago, and they haven't made it better since. I've been tempted to actually complain to someone about it.
My favorite parts are...
QuoteAs a rule, the law generally does not allow the carrying of anything that can be described as a weapon. This includes mace, spray dyes, most personal alarms, or any other items which have been specifically adapted, such as sharpened combs, knives carried for the purpose of self defence etc.
QuoteIn an attack or confrontation there are a number of options available that do not require physical self defence to fend off the attacker.
# Faking a heart attack, asthma attack, epileptic fit, faint or mental illness;
# Faking a coughing fit and asking for a glass of water;
# Calling out to a fictitious person behind the attacker e.g. "William, help me" - if you are convincing there is no doubt that the attacker will look around;
# Tell the attacker that you have AIDS/Hepatitis;
# Verbal response - negotiate with the attacker;
# Tell the attacker that "Someone will be coming back in a minute";
# Ask to go to the bathroom to remove tampon/insert diaphragm;
# Be revolting - throw up, defecate/urinate/pick your nose;
# In the case of an attack involving a knife or other weapons, use the 'fantasy' option to remove the threat of the weapon, to enable escape e.g. "I've always fantasised about this happening to me, but the knife makes me feel uncomfortable...";
And that's just the start, there's an entire section explaining how to effectively scream for help.
QuoteOne of the most effective self defence techniques is screaming effectively. An effective scream involves making a loud, guttural roar, generated from the depths of your diaphragm. The scream should be aggressive and 'roar-like' indicating your anger at the attacker, rather than a high-pitched squeal of fear. An effective scream has the potential to achieve a number of results.
I'm actually offended and sickened that this is published on the police website. And with no legal options for defense. It's like they want us to be attacked.
