Personal Safety

By Nate Day

The World Health Organization estimates that roughly one in three women worldwide experiences physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.

So, self-protection is a vital skill to develop. In an era when tools like social media are used to track people’s whereabouts at any given moment, personal safety is a top priority.

Amanda Hardin, founder of Lipstick Tactical, trains professionals and organizations in personal safety, both in and out of the workplace. Avenir Consulting, the company behind the Lipstick Tactical brand, is a boutique risk management firm that works with companies and organizations to equip them with the skills, policies, and mindset to navigate today’s most volatile threats. Think: from active-shooter scenarios and workplace violence. The team combines military-grade expertise, behavioral science, and adult-learning best practices to create training that sticks

While many women “gravitate” toward Hardin’s message of not exchanging femininity for protecting herself, Lipstick Tactical’s personal safety classes aren’t exclusive to just the ladies. These in-person trainings are designed to translate directly into real-world readiness, combining safety principles with practical action. Hardin mixes critical thinking skills with hands-on techniques, emboldening students to lead in moments that matter most. Whether you’re new to personal safety or looking to sharpen your edge, this is where preparation becomes empowerment.

“It’s really about feeling empowered,” she says of the courses she teaches. “I’ve had people come back to me after they’ve taken my classes, and they’ve gone on and made bigger, bolder, braver life decisions.”

Everyday Safety

Hardin recommends being aware and prepared—make a plan with your friends for what to do if you begin to feel uneasy or find yourself in a sticky situation. “Some of staying safe is avoidance,” she admits. “Have you agreed among your friend circle that no woman is left behind?”

To prepare yourself, stay aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to get lost in a podcast or scroll through social media when you’re out on a bike ride or taking a walk, but keeping your senses sharp is a crucial part of the safety puzzle. Keep an eye on fishy characters and make a habit of checking behind you every so often.

Avoid becoming distracted by your phone, but you can also use it to guard yourself. If the device has an SOS feature, such as speed dial or immediate emergency contact, be sure to familiarize yourself with it. You can also pretend you’re on a call to escape an unwanted encounter. Better yet, give a close friend a call if you’re feeling uneasy, as long as you can remain aware of your surroundings.

Some mobile devices also allow location sharing, which can enable you to let someone see precisely where you are. Exercise caution and good judgment when sharing your location with others—choose someone you can trust, such as a family member or close friend.

Listen to your gut. Our instincts are powerful tools if we listen to them. Turn around and return to safety rather than pushing through discomfort. If you feel like something’s wrong, you’re probably right.

When you’re walking alone at night, stick to well-lit and populated areas. Staying near well-lit areas and reputable businesses can significantly reduce the risk of danger for women. Similarly, if you’re driving, make sure to park your car in a well-lit area, eliminating opportunities for harm-doers to lurk in the shadows.

A Step Further

There are many tools that women can use to protect themselves if needed. Pepper spray and personal alarms can often be fitted on keychains for easy accessibility, as can small self-defense weapons that can be useful in a pinch. Some women elect to carry a firearm. If you choose to arm yourself, be sure to research your options to discover which is the best option for you and what is legal in Colorado. And get training.

Some self-defense courses will cover the use of various weapons and help you determine the most effective method. Additionally, self-defense courses can teach you how to employ practical defense methods in high-pressure situations. In addition to Lipstick Tactical, local agencies and police departments offer personal safety classes.