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Damsel in Defense

@damselindefense

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Sharing safety education & putting protection in women's hands💪🏼
Protection with purpose that rescues girls from sex trafficking💕

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Raise your hand if you've ever had a creepy encounter on a run? 🙋‍♀️ Yeah me too. Once you have had that feeling, it's hard to feel confident again wondering "what if..."

Damsel In Defense sent me a package with several defense items including this pepper spray and honestly they wanted nothing in exchange for it. But I feel a responsibility to share good products and companies that actually care so I decided to share this with you.

Not sure if I mentioned this but after I ran the Wisconsin Marathon in May 2024, someone tried to kick our hotel room door in during the middle of the night. My sister and I were paralyzed with fear. I never wanted to travel for another race again (and I haven't). Fast forward to now, I unbox this package and find two products made for doors and one specifically for hotel doors. Now I feel like maybe I could do another destination race again! 🥹

#beconfident #beradiant #besafe #pepperspray #runnersafety

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The most meaningful gifts don’t come wrapped in paper…

they come from lives forever changed.

This beautiful handmade card was sent by one of the incredible survivors in our Damsel Houses.

It’s a reminder that every tool placed in someone’s hands here in the U.S. can help protect and empower someone across the world.

Last month, that impact grew because of the amazing @montemader .

When she shared our mission with her community, so many of you found me, found tools to protect yourselves, and unknowingly became part of something so much bigger.

This card isn’t just for me…

it belongs to all of us.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me to help protect you,

for choosing to protect yourself with @damselindefense tools,

and to @montemader , for opening the door that connected us all.

#damselindefense #empoweredwomenempowerwomen #gratitude #impact #freedom

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just copy and paste this, and you too will feel like 007 lol ⚡️
https://damselindefense.net/aliimichelle

#selfdefenseforwomen #damselindefense #protectyourself #womenhelpingwomen

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Running should feel freeing, not fearful. But until the world changes, we stay prepared 💪🏽✨

Link in bio for my go-to running safety gear.

#RunningAtNight #WomensSafety #RunnerLife #StaySafeRunners #NightRun #RunningGear #SafetyFirst #RunSmart #FemaleRunners #runner #austintx #atx #austinrunner #runforthewater #AustinMarathonTraining #AustinRunner #WomenWhoRun #RunAustin #MarathonTraining #SheRuns #RunnersOfInstagram #ATXRunner #RunHappy #RunningCommunity

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Definitely did not check the weather app before I headed out 😂 so definitely surprised when it just started pouring!!

On deck tomorrow is 14 miles and a football game 🏈

16 days out from @chimarathon 😳

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🤙🏻 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 🤙🏻

Last full day in St. Thomas so starting it with one last run on the island. My runs here have been hilly, humid, waiting for chickens to cross, and fun.

Island Running Miles:
🐟 3 miles
🐟 2 miles
🐟 3 miles

Vacation pics soon 👀

#altra #altrarunning #altrarunningfans #leagueofgarmin #garminrunner #garminrunning #knockaround #knockfan #knockaroundsunglasses #instarunner #inspiringrunco #instarunfun #run #marathoner #marathonrunner #marathontraining #abbottwmm #abbottworldmarathonmajors #runnergirlstyle #teamempower #smiletrain #milesforsmiles #londonmarathon #londonmarathontraining #runinrabbit #borntorunfree #radrabbit #stthomas #stillirun

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Allow me to put a face to statistics and facts. One of my abusers utilized this “tool” to normalize his behavior. It’s not hard to find a fetish that tickles your fancy…no matter how depraved.

This insidious industry and the harm it’s caused isn’t new but it’s no longer lurking in the shadows either. If your child owns a smartphone it’s sitting in their pocket right now…and if they don’t, it’s sitting in their friend’s pocket. The conversation is no longer *if they’re exposed but *when. As a parent this truth can feel so disheartening but I have a bit of advice…don’t wait for the big scary thing to surface then stumble through damage control, be proactive. Here are five tips to help you protect your kids:

1. 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭: My kids don’t cringe at my #fightthenewdrug shirt because we’ve sat in conversation about p_r_ography, its lasting effects and the people it victimizes.

2. 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬: We have a row of books that cover these heavy topics in easy to understand ways without relying on shame or guilt.

3. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐨: We talk about tricky people and adults with bad intentions and give them permission to say no, even to an adult.

4. 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞: We teach our kids to say, “First tell me what is it?” when someone says, “look at this” on a device. Asking them to name it out loud can derail an inappropriate situation.

5. 𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞: We are intentionally building a relationship that allows our kids to know we are a safe space even when they feel like they were responsible for a bad choice.

I once asked in stories how this industry had negatively impacted you or your kids and the response was overwhelming. From kids in care who had been used in videos to parents with partners who were addicted and distant.

You are all welcome to share your experiences here too. Putting a face to the studies and statistics makes it more real in away…it’s important to know these aren’t made up scenarios, real lives are being impacted…it’s time the conversations come out of the shadows.

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐂𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄:
Books are 🔗 in my bio
Shirt @fightthenewdrug

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Exactly what I bring in my backpack for EVERY hike ⏬️

This is by no means an exhaustive list or things that you NEED to have with you in order to go hiking. If you’re new, don’t feel like you can’t go because you don’t have all the gear! These are mostly “just in case” and emergency items

✨Save so you know how to fill your hiking backpack!

• snacks always! both to stay fueled and in case you get lost & need food (this includes water)
• safety gear, including an SOS device which I don’t have yet but I would recommend a @garmin !
• a filtration device in case you run out of water, mine was a three pack from @costco
• toiletries - I always have toilet paper & hand sanitizer but a @kulacloth is a great option!
• layers! I have my heated vest from Venustas in case it’s too cold, a poncho to stay dry, & extra socks
• a medical/first aid which definitely doesn’t need to be this big!
• portable charger & don’t forget the cable
• a flashlight or headlamp so you don’t need to use your phone’s battery if you’re on a sunrise/sunset hike or you get lost - I prefer a headlamp
• dog 💩 bags & portable water bowl for our hiking dogs!

❔What do you think I missed?

📲 Follow @mackenzieanundi for beginner hiking tips!

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#hikingessentials #hikinggear #safetygear #whatsinmybag #hikingbackpack #hikergirl ##hikingtips #getoutandhike What to Bring Hiking, New Hiker, Hike Tips, Novice Hiker, What’s In My Backpack, Hiking Gear, Outdoor Gear

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Survivor turned Thriver with my hunny who had always supported me💜
#survivor #enddomesticviolence #domesticviolence #domesticviolencesurvivor #domesticviolencesupport
#youareworthy
#damselfordvam #standupplacer

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Thanks to all the ladies who came out for International Women’s Day making it the biggest event we’ve had yet! Over 100 boss babe vendors, who’s ready for the next one?

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I forgot to include my stainless steel knuckles and self-defense flashlight. Oh well, there are still many tips & tricks to pay close attention to here!

FYI, the video clip with my alarm blaring is cut to 25% volume👂🏻 AND in saying I have used it, I meant I have brought it with me.

Check out @preparedhero, @nightcapit, and @damselindefense for more info about their defense tools to keep you safe. 🥸

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ᴿᵘⁿⁿⁱⁿᵍ ᵒⁿ ᵛᵃᶜᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ ᵐᵉᵃⁿˢ ᵗʳᵃⁱⁿⁱⁿᵍ ⁱˢ ᵉʰ
𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓'𝐒 𝐎𝐊𝐀𝐘

Yes I am only week 2 into London training, but sometimes your body just needs a vacation too. This week I have only ran 5 miles and that's okay. I've been swimming, walking, lightly hiking, and just enjoying St. Thomas.
This breather from going going going, and just going for a short run when I feel up for it is amazing.

I know after this week I'll be feeling refreshed and ready to tackle training.

Today's run was a bit rainy as I headed out before the morning rain but it was warm. I am getting all the looks as who is this crazy tourist running around St. Thomas 😂 but hey, I'm seeing bits of the island on foot!

Island Running Miles:
🐟 Sunday : 3 miles
🐟 Wednesday : 2 miles

#londonmarathon #londonmarathontraining #abbottwmm #abbottworldmarathonmajors #londonmarathonfundraising #teamempower #smiletrain #milesforsmiles #charityrunner #runinrabbit #borntorunfree #radrabbit #run #marathoner #marathonrunner #marathontraining #instarunfun #instarunner #inspiringrunco #leagueofgarmin #garminrunning #garminrunner #ericasaradesigns #margaritavillevc #knockaround #knockfan #knockaroundsunglasses #altrarunningfans #altrarunning #altra

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