Is It Illegal For Your Therapist To Recommend Pepper Spray?

[Bubba]

Ok - so right after I was attacked by my mother-in-law, I had (and still do) a lot of fear about going places. My T asked me what I was afraid of - was I afraid of being attacked again. I told her not physically, but more emotionally. I was afraid of running into one of them (even my husband or his kids or his ex-wife, etc...) and having them say hateful awful things to me and then I would go back to being a 7 year old and would shut down and not be able to handle it emotionally.

She suggested that I get some pepper spray and keep it with me. That way if I did run into one of them and if they did try to talk to me or were abusive emotionally - then I could let them know that I had pepper spray and for them to stay away.

My T said this could give me some empowerment and control and would help me feel safe.

I did tell my husband recently not to come to my apartment - and that I had pepper spray. He told me that my T can't recommend pepper spray anymore - that it's illegal.

This doesn't make sense to me. If someone is deeply afraid - why would that be illegal? I mean I bought mine at the local auto parts store. Seems like if it's illegal for a therapist to recommend it - wouldn't it be illegal to sell it?

Does anyone know if it's true?

 

[Jen93]

I believe that he was just messing with your mind. I doubt it's illegal. Emotionally abusive people love to make you doubt yourself. I think that the pepper spray is a good idea. And I'm very glad that you actually used logic before emotion. (listed the facts before getting worried about your husband.) It shows maturity. :)

 

[DecadeKTouch]

It would be good to bring pepper spray whenever, you're actually helping yourself with that in my opinion. Just don't use it in inappropriate situations, you'll be alright.

 

[catjudo]

I believe the use of pepper spray is legal in all US states, however many states do have specific legal restrictions regarding its use (ie age of user or size of pepper spray container). As long as you are conforming to the legal restrictions in your state there is no issue.

It would be improper of your therapist to suggest you do something illegal. There is nothing illegal about a therapist suggesting you use a legal, self defense method that makes you feel safe.

 

[^^FlyingSolo^^]

Jay walking is illegal in some states too :eek: but what's the point, people do it all the time. How does this even matter? Even if it is illegal, what does it matter? Only suing her for giving you that advice would justify that law. And she gave you that advice to help you, and I agree with her 100%.

I have been caring pepper spray on my key chain for the last 15 years. And I've had to use it, and it worked in getting rid of an attacker 10 years ago. It comes in a little leather case. And as recent as a few nights ago I had to unsnap the opening while I was standing at the ATM machine when some creepy young boys arrived.

They saw that I had it, and I made sure they saw it, I held it right up and I was 100% ready to use it if need be. Then one of the guys yelled to the other to "forget it". I happen to drive past that way a few minutes later after I left and the police had pulled them over.

I would recommend from this point forward being very very particular in what information you share with your ex. I doubt he has your best interest in mind. Give him the most minimal of information if any.

 

[Red Feather]

I just can't believe he said that. It is sad you feel threatened by him to consider it. I hope you feel safe. Take care.

 

[Bubba]

Jay walking is illegal in some states too :eek: but what's the point, people do it all the time. How does this even matter? Even if it is illegal, what does it matter? Only suing her for giving you that advice would justify that law. And she gave you that advice to help you, and I agree with her 100%.

Solo - you are so right! Thank you for this!

 

[Jen93]

Is it odd that right now I'm reading this as a go-ahead to break the law? :roflmao:;):D

 

[^^FlyingSolo^^]

Thank you Bubba, I'm glad you found some it useful.

I got very triggered writing that. I'm very attached to my pepper spray. It's very important to me.

I'm going to go take a break calm down. I'm shaking.

 

[Bubba]

Oh Solo! I'm so sorry!!! Go take your break and do something nice for yourself. I appreciate you writing what you did - even if it did trigger you. You are a special person!

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I am glad you have pepper spray and are not afraid to use it. Good for you for telling your husband. I used to carry pepper spray. I ran out. I never replaced it. I never had to use it. I am with my husband now all of the time, and attackers do not usually go after 2 people together.

I am sorry your husbands ignorance is showing. You are empowering yourself, I say good for you.

Once people know you mean buisiness, it tends to put them in their place. It is a legal substance.
WTG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool: Bubba is empowered to take care of herself now. I think this is very, very good. Now if only you could cut off contact with your husband once and for all.

 

[Bubba]

Oh how I wish Gizmo! He is absolutely crazy. I forwarded one of his rambling long emails to both of my sisters and they both said that yes - he is crazy! I just hope I can get him to accept that I do want a divorce - regardless of the reasons and move on. I pray that he will finally leave me alone and that he will play nice.