I reeeally want to move

Spigged

It is NOT stupid. This is totally NOT your fault. Touching someone is an assault. I would go straight to the local police station. This is a police matter. They will help you, give you advice and point you in the right direction for self defense courses. You don't want to just hit them, you goal is to protect yourself and in order to do this you will need some training to do it properly.

There has been some good advice posted here.

In addition to the can of mace, I would get a whistle. I would also speak with other students in your dorm (not just the women as most men would be angry at such despicable behaviour).

I find this very frighting. Let us all know how you are keeping and what  

In addition to the can of mace, I would get a whistle.   

Isnt mace illegal here?

Isnt mace illegal here?

I have a bad feeling it is.

I read this out to DH and he said yes mace or any other spray like this is classed as a offensive weapon.
He learned this in his training for the police recently.


Section 5 (1) (b) of the firearms act 1968 prohibits any weapon of what ever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing.


But you could use this:
Xmarker personal attack defense spray..which is a rapid foaming spray which in a personal attack blocks attackers view and stains face blue

www.c-p-p.co.uk/product/aspP/ProdID/2120/CtgID/1006/af/page.htm

But you could use this:
Xmarker personal attack defense spray..which is a rapid foaming spray which in a personal attack blocks attackers view and stains face blue

www.c-p-p.co.uk/product/aspP/ProdID/2120/CtgID/1006/af/page.htm

If this link doesn't work, try this one then scroll down to bottom right (last product on this page)

http://www.c-p-p.co.uk/_personal_alarms/asp/CtgID/1006/af/page.htm

I got to it with this link. I couldn't get the other one to work. Just one more page..damn 'puters.

Hey MeShell, does your DF say this is legal? It looks like it would be very effective. It would certainly help the police locate them.

Yes he did a search for something that could be used and wouldn't be classed as an offence...

So this looks the best!

In my opinion if I am going to be carrying any type of personal protection device I would go and get some sort of self defense/breakaway training beforehand. Just for my added safety that 1. I learn to avoid ever being in a situation where I would need to use it. 2. learn to use it effectively if rule no 1 didn't work.

My dad (former cop) taught me self-defense. More than once I have used what he has taught me, in terms of looking out. 

I will document my case and present it to the accommodation officer, and insist on action. If he tells me other students are not complaining, well, I don't know, but these men seem to be out for me.

Re: Clothing- I will admit provocative clothing is not a help, and I don't wear it. I cover up for both the warmth, and this reason.

One awful guy is at the tube station, attempting to buy travelcards (probably to scalp them or something else illegal.) The staff does nothing but laugh. He was very rudely ogling a girl behind me the other day as well.

Anyway, enough ranting. I will post the result of my meeting on Tuesday. Thanks so much everyone

The guy trying to buy/resell travelcards is breaking the law.  Report him to the police.

I am really concerned about this...where in South London are you?

Victoria

I read this out to DH and he said yes mace or any other spray like this is classed as a offensive weapon.

I had a long and somewhat heated discussion in a police forum last year on this topic.     Whatever you carry for protection, I'd be very careful about ever admitting that you are carrying it for self-defense.  Some of the cops these days seem to have been taught that it's illegal to carry anything if the intent is to use that item for self-defense if attacked.       In fact more than one said that as far as he was concerned if anyone admitted carrying any item for self-defense that he would arrest him for carrying an offensive weapon. 

Such is the way that the law has been twisted out of all recognition in recent years, not to mention completely ignoring the Bill of Rights, but that seems to be the way it is now.   

I guess your just reconfirming what I said? My DH is a policeman and that is what I stated that it would be considered a offence..

This spray I posted a link to doesn't do anything else other than stain the person's face blue, it doesn't harm anyone in anyway except gives you a blue face...he looked this up and said IF they wanted anything this would be the best...

I guess I'm both confirming and expressing concern that in some cases the law is being perverted into something which was never intended.

As I understand it, certain items (e.g. CS spray) are considered an offensive weapon per se  under that 1968 and later acts, and mere possession in a public place is illegal.

When it comes to items not on that list, however, it falls under the Offensive Weapons Act 1953.    The argument then comes down to what constitutes an offensive weapon  and the clause in that act which says it's illegal to carry such an item "without lawful authority or reasonable excuse." 

That's my understanding, too. Anything you carry (or have in your home) for the express purpose of self defense is a no no. (My British half once told me that Britain is the #2 importer of Louisville Sluggers. I don't know if it's true).

Me, I plan to rove the British countryside, a sad and lonely Yank forever looking for a pickup softball game  

That's my understanding, too. Anything you carry (or have in your home) for the express purpose of self defense is a no no.

The 1953 Offensive Weapons Act applies only in a public place, not in your home. 

The guy trying to buy/resell travelcards is breaking the law.  Report him to the police.

I am afraid of repercussions; I will check to see if there is a way to do this anonymously,

The staff see them trying to buy travelcards blatantly in front of their faces- they just laugh. 

I am really concerned about this...where in South London are you?

Victoria

I will PM you.