By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | May 24, 2025
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In today’s volatile social climate, the business of personal protection has moved from niche to necessity. As public incidents tied to untreated mental health conditions increase, more Canadians are seeking ways to legally and practically defend themselves. The personal protection industry now spans everything from wearable technology and self-defense training to high-performance fabrics like Kevlar® or SlashPRO Clothing®—empowering citizens to face the unpredictable with confidence.

A Disturbing Pattern of Public Violence

Four recent cases illustrate the frightening reality:

  • Canada, 2008 – Vince Li, in the throes of schizophrenia, beheaded and cannibalized a fellow Greyhound passenger.
  • USA, 2022 – A shooter in Colorado, hearing voices, killed 10 people in a grocery store.
  • Canada, 2025 - Recently, a 30-year old man in Vancouver  has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after driving a vehicle into a crowd of Filipino festival-goers. The judge has now ordered a 30-day psychiatric assessment in custody to determine if he is fit to stand trial.
  • Germany, 2025 – A woman, recently released from psychiatric care, stabbed 17 people in a Hamburg shopping centre.

These acts underscore a troubling truth: sometimes violence erupts without warning. That’s why proactive preparation—not fear—is our best defence.

What Can You Do in a Crowd?

If you're in a public setting and violence breaks out:

  1. Stay Alert – Awareness is your first line of defence. Avoid distractions like headphones in public transit or events.
  2. Create Distance – Move quickly away from threats without attracting attention.
  3. Use Cover – Look for physical barriers: walls, vehicles, counters.
  4. Call for Help – Use voice or smart device emergency functions.
  5. Don’t Be a Hero – If you aren’t trained, avoid physical confrontation unless your life depends on it.

What Can You Wear or Carry in Canada?

While Canadian laws are strict about weapons, here are legal and smart self-defense options:

  • Personal Alarms – Loud, portable, and effective.
  • Tactical Flashlights – Temporarily disorient attackers.
  • Stab-Resistant Clothing – This is where Kevlar® makes a big impact.

The Advantage of Slash-Proof Clothing

Developed by DuPont, Kevlar® is a revolutionary material known for its strength, lightweight durability, and versatility. Found in body armor, protective sports gear, and even phone cases, Kevlar® combines safety with innovation.

Extremely strong yet lightweight and durable, Kevlar® provides the perfect balance of form and function—allowing you to redefine performance and explore new possibilities for a better tomorrow.

In civilian life, stab- or slash-resistant jackets, vests, gloves, and backpacks made with Kevlar® are becoming more accessible and fashionable, offering a discreet way to stay safe while blending into any crowd.

While SlashPRO® Anti Slash Clothing has been developed to significantly improve your personal safety, by offering extremely high levels of cut protection to your most vulnerable areas, to which common body armour do not offer any protection at all.

According to Section 34 of the Canadian Criminal Code, you are permitted to defend yourself if:

  • You’re being attacked or threatened.
  • Your response is proportionate.
  • You're not escalating the conflict.

Illegal: Pepper spray for human use, stun guns, and concealed weapons.
Legal: Bear spray (in the wild), personal alarms, and tactical tools like self-defense pens or keychain kubotans—as long as they’re not marketed as weapons.

Investing in the Protection Economy

The personal protection industry is now a billion-dollar market. Areas to consider:

  • Self-defense training – Martial arts, verbal de-escalation, and street awareness courses.
  • Smart accessories – Wearables with SOS functions, GPS tracking, or voice activation (e.g., Invisawear, Apple Watch, Noonlight app).
  • Protective gear – Kevlar®-lined fashion wear, cut-resistant gloves, anti-theft bags.

Final Word: Prepared, Not Paranoid

With mental health emergencies on the rise and societal pressure mounting, self-protection is both wise and empowering. The goal isn’t to live in fear—but to live with awareness and preparedness.

You can’t control others’ actions, but you can control your readiness. Whether through investing in Kevlar® gear, taking a self-defense class, or installing an app that alerts your loved ones in seconds—you are choosing safety, confidence, and peace of mind in an uncertain world.

#Personal Protection #Kevlar Safety #Mental Health Crisis #Self Defense Canada
#Stay Safe In Crowds #Smart Safety Gear #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788

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