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![Street Smart, Don't be a victim](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/StreetSmart-Emblem.jpg)
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TAKE AIM: From Vulnerable To Protected
Feelings of security have been shattered. Nowhere seems safe anymore.
The concepts of vulnerability and protection are intertwined with personal, situational, and societal factors. Individuals and communities recognize the importance of mitigating vulnerability while promoting protection, particularly in the context of crime, violence, and other harmful scenarios.
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A Growing Sense of Vulnerability
The concerning rise in crime and violence across the nation has increased vulnerability for everyone. From schools and churches, to gas stations, parking lots, parks, homes, and workplaces – nowhere seems truly safe anymore.
This pervasive sense of insecurity has driven many who previously felt safe to look for a reliable, safe, and legal defense solution. Many are turning to less-lethal weapons for a less escalatory option than firearms, while still providing effective self-defense.
Less-Lethal Use Cases:
Less-lethal self-defense offers protection to a wide range of professions and situations where individuals may feel unsafe:
- Educators for classroom defense
- Realtors when showing properties to strangers
- Retail and Service workers for robberies and workplace violence
- Delivery Drivers for car-jackings
- Single Parents for home and personal property security
- Travelers for work and leisure settings
- College Students for campus safety
The primary goal of self-defense is to protect oneself and others while minimizing harm caused in return. Less-lethal weapons provide effective, safe, and responsible self-defense as an alternative to lethal force for those who are unable or reluctant to carry firearms.
![Woman Pulling a HERO 2020 Out of Her Purse.](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WomanPurseHero.jpg)
![Woman Pulling a HERO 2020 Out of Her Purse.](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WomanPurseHero.jpg)
Incapacitate intruders before they cause harm.
America’s Experience With Gun-Related Violence
According to FBI data, U.S. cities saw a staggering spike of up to 30% in homicides between 2019-2020. Statistics like these combined with high-profile incidents of mass shootings, and overstretched law enforcement who cannot respond in time, has shattered the illusion of safety across the country. Americans are recognizing the need for personal defense as immediate and growing while seeking a solution free of the ethical and legal complexities of lethal weapons.
U.S. gun sales and crimes rising:
- An estimated 16.5 million firearms sold in 2023
- New gun owners accounted for 30-35% of sales
- The FBI reports 77,000 gun crimes reported in 2022
- Less-Lethal sales will reach $7.6 billion by 2033
U.S. cities grapple with surging violence:
- Chicago: Over 770 homicides in 2022
- Philadelphia: Record high of 562 homicides in 2021
- Los Angeles: Homicides up 38% in 2022 from 2019
- Atlanta: Homicides up 58% from 2019 to 2022
![A black and white image of a hand gun](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/firearm.jpg)
![A black and white image of a hand gun](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/firearm.jpg)
Even suburbs, once considered safe havens, are experiencing spillover in crime rates: from Houston to Minneapolis to Washington D.C.
More Facts To Consider
Adults in the U.S. are changing the way they live their lives due to concerns over gun violence:
Extra Precautions
Avoidance
Personal Protection: A Closer Look at Less-Lethal Alternatives
The landscape of self-defense is always evolving, with less-lethal weapons gaining prominence as effective means of protection. Demand for less-lethal, effective alternatives to traditional firearms for civilians, law enforcement, and security professionals is growing faster than ever. Daily headlines are motivating individuals across the country to protect themselves and others without resorting to lethal force.
![A woman waits for the train with confidence](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZerotoHero.jpg)
![A woman waits for the train with confidence](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZerotoHero.jpg)
HERO 2020 and AIIRO provide award winning less-lethal protection for you, your family, and those around you – without taking a life.
Less-lethal devices provide a safe and legal alternative to firearms in a wide range of styles. Options including blunt force projectiles, pepper projectiles, gel irritants, and more significantly expand the available choices for self-defense. These weapons provide a powerful means of protection without risk of fatality or legal repercussions associated with firearms, making them a valuable addition to any personal safety strategy. For those who can’t or don’t want to own or carry guns, less-lethal weapons offer an effective alternative for close-range situations.
The issue of crime and gun violence in the United States continues to be a significant public health concern. A growing number of Americans are taking action to protect themselves and prevent their families from becoming victims.
Safety is In Your Hands – Make the Shift From Vulnerable To Protected
The time for change is now. Less-lethal self-defense weapons are empowering individuals seeking protection. Personal circumstance, training needs, and potential threats are all imperative to consider when selecting a self-defense tool. By taking preemptive actions, individuals can mitigate vulnerability and contribute to a safer and more secure life for themselves and their loved ones.
![Street Smart, Don't be a victim](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/StreetSmart-Emblem.jpg)
![Street Smart, Don't be a victim](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/StreetSmart-Emblem.jpg)
![Street Smart, Don't be a victim](https://hero.us.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/StreetSmart-Emblem.jpg)
Data Sources:
- https://www.kff.org/report-section/americans-experiences-with-gun-related-violence-injuries-and-deaths-findings/
- https://www.factmr.com/report/less-lethal-weapons-market
- https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/less-lethal-weapons-market
- https://www.thetrace.org/2023/11/byrna-less-lethal-weapon-self-defense/
- https://www.factmr.com/report/less-lethal-weapons-market
- https://www.visiongain.com/report/less-lethal-weapons-market-2023/