Currently, having Pepper Sray or Defence Spray is defined as a "Prohibited Firearm" under the Firearms Act 1968. We believe this is out of date.

According to the NPCC, a woman or girl is killed by a man every three days in the UK. Domestic abuse makes up 18% of all recorded crime in England and Wales. In the year ending March 2022, there were 194,683 sexual offences, of which 70,330 were rape.

Nothing is being done. 
Unite UK is calling for a legislative initiative designed to empower women in the United Kingdom by legally allowing them to carry non-lethal pepper spray for self-defence. The policy defines women as adult human females and aims to provide a practical tool for protection in situations of imminent danger. By restricting the use of pepper spray to self-defense scenarios, this policy seeks to enhance personal safety, reduce gender-based violence, and address the alarming rates of sexual assault and domestic violence in the country.

 

Rationale for the Policy
Combatting Gender-Based Violence

Sexual Assault: According to recent statistics, approximately 85,000 women are raped and over 400,000 women are sexually assaulted in England and Wales each year. The availability of pepper spray as a defensive tool could provide women with a means to protect themselves and potentially prevent such incidents.

Domestic Violence

Reports indicate that one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, with more than 1.6 million women in the UK suffering from domestic abuse annually. Pepper spray could offer a vital line of defense in situations where women are threatened by domestic partners.

Empowering Women with Non-Lethal Defense

Pepper spray is a widely recognized non-lethal self-defense tool that temporarily incapacitates an attacker by causing intense irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. This provides the victim with an opportunity to escape and seek help without causing permanent harm to the assailant. Studies show that women who carry non-lethal self-defense tools are more confident in public spaces and less likely to be targeted by criminals.

Addressing Legal and Ethical Considerations

Current UK law classifies pepper spray as a Section 5 weapon under the Firearms Act 1968, making it illegal to carry without special permission. However, there is a growing public discourse on the need for legal reform to allow women to carry such sprays for self-defense purposes. The Women’s Defence Spray Act aims to balance the need for personal protection with public safety concerns by strictly regulating the use and distribution of pepper spray.

Key Provisions of the Policy
Eligibility and Definition

The right to carry pepper spray will be restricted to women and girls, legally defined as human females (those over the age of 13). Eligible women must complete a certified self-defense training course, which will include instructions on the legal and safe use of pepper spray. This course will cover situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and the legal implications of using pepper spray in self-defense.
 

Regulation and Control of Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray Classification: Pepper spray will be reclassified as a legal self-defense tool under the new legislation, with strict regulations on its production, sale, and use.

Approved Formulation

Only specific formulations of pepper spray, regulated by the Home Office, will be permitted for civilian use. These formulations will be designed to incapacitate an attacker without causing permanent injury.
 

Controlled Distribution Pepper spray will only be available through licensed vendors who are required to verify the eligibility of purchasers. Vendors will maintain records of all sales, which will be accessible to law enforcement agencies.
 

 

Usage Guidelines and Legal Protections

Self-Defense Only

The use of pepper spray is strictly limited to situations where the user is in immediate danger of physical harm. Misuse of pepper spray, such as using it to intimidate or harm others outside of self-defense, will be punishable by law, including potential fines, mandatory re-training, or imprisonment.

Legal Immunity

Women who use pepper spray in a legitimate self-defense scenario will be granted immunity from prosecution, provided that the use of force was proportionate to the threat faced.
 

Impact Assessment

Sexual Assaults

Research indicates that the mere presence of a self-defense tool can deter potential attackers. A study conducted in the United States found that women who resisted an attack with a non-lethal weapon were significantly less likely to be injured or raped compared to those who did not resist.

Domestic Violence

Providing women with a means of defense in situations of domestic violence could prevent assaults from escalating, potentially saving lives and reducing the long-term psychological and physical harm associated with domestic abuse.
 

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Empowerment

Allowing women to carry pepper spray could have a broader social impact by empowering women and increasing their confidence in public spaces. This policy aligns with ongoing efforts to address gender inequality and protect women’s rights.

Public Safety

The policy will also enhance overall public safety by deterring potential attackers and reducing the incidence of violent crimes against women.
 

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Legal and Economic Considerations

The policy will require amendments to existing laws, including the Firearms Act 1968, to reclassify pepper spray as a legal self-defense tool. Additionally, new regulations will need to be enacted to govern the production, sale, and use of pepper spray. While the initial implementation of the policy, including training and public awareness campaigns, will require government funding, the long-term economic benefits could include reduced healthcare costs associated with treating victims of violence and lower law enforcement expenses due to decreased crime rates.
 

 

 

Long-Term Benefits
Enhanced Personal Safety

The primary benefit of the Women’s Defence Spray Act is the increased personal safety it provides to women. By equipping women with a practical and effective means of self-defense, the policy will help to prevent assaults and save lives.
 

Cultural Shift

The policy is expected to contribute to a cultural shift in how society views gender-based violence. By legitimizing women’s right to self-defense, the policy sends a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.

Increased Reporting and Prosecution

As women feel more empowered to protect themselves, there may be an increase in the reporting of assaults and greater cooperation with law enforcement, leading to higher prosecution rates for offenders.
 

The Women’s Defence Spray Act represents a significant step forward in addressing gender-based violence in the United Kingdom. By allowing women to carry pepper spray for self-defense, this policy will enhance personal safety, reduce the incidence of violent crimes against women, and empower women to take control of their own security. The policy is designed to be implemented responsibly, with strict regulations and mandatory training to ensure that pepper spray is used safely and effectively.

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Unite UK calls on all political parties, stakeholders, and citizens to support this policy. Together, we can create a safer society where women can live without fear of violence and where their rights to personal safety and self-defense are fully protected.