Monday, August 18, 2008

PRESS RELEASE

WomenOnGuard.com Donates Pepper Spray Again, This Time to Louisiana

WomenOnGuard.com donated pepper spray to the Metropolitan Center for Women & Children (Metro), in Jefferson, Louisiana. This is just the latest pepper spray donation of many since the Fall of 2007.

Indian Beach, NC August 18, 2008. WomenOnGuard.com donates self defense products to a different sexual assault women’s crisis center around the country on a monthly basis. WomenOnGuard.com is a website that sells non-lethal, self defense products such as Mace, pepper spray, stun guns, Taser products, personal alarms and home protection products. This website includes hotlines, safety tips, helpful links and a Blog.

Metro was started in 1986. They provide services to the survivors of stalking, rape and domestic violence victims. The Center, which is located in Jefferson, LA, provides services throughout the Greater New Orleans Area. Women can call their 24-hour line for emergency counseling and assistance. Metro staff and volunteers are trained in crisis intervention and can offer limited placement in emergency shelters and make appropriate referrals. Metro also offers individual counseling services as well as group, children’s counseling and emotional support. They also assist in legal rights and court proceedings.

Susan Eaton, Co-Owner of WomenOnGuard.com stated that the website chose New Orleans for their donation recipient of the month because of the escalating violent crimes in the city. Some information published not long ago by The Violence Policy Center in Washington, DC, ranked Louisiana as 3rd in rate of women murdered by men in the nation. Susan stated, “New Orleans has had days where 3 or more murders occur in their streets. Actually, pre-trial motions are expected to start for Louis Lamonica. He is a former pastor and one of seven members of the Hosanna Church who face rape charges.” In general, the state of Louisiana has had an increase in crime, especially after Katrina. She stated that women are unfortunately some of the victims of murder, sexual assault and domestic violence.

WomenOnGuard.com’s owners Susan Eaton and Martha Z. Martinez decided to start donating pepper spray, a year after their website was launched. Martha stated that it was just the most natural path to take for a company that sells non-lethal, self defense products. “We decided to donate pepper spray instead of money, simply because, victims would be able to use these products and protect themselves immediately. We wanted to help the victims directly. We have donated to 11 crisis centers so far and plan to continue donating for as long as we need to. Right now, our focus is on a different state each month.” She stated. Martha went on to say, “We want to spread the word to women, that they can purchase non-lethal, self defense products without having to walk into a gun shop. We also want to point out that we chose non-lethal products, because sometimes weapons are turned against the victims that carry them. It is better to be sprayed with pepper spray, stunned with a stun gun or tasered with a Taser, than to be killed by your own gun. WomenOnGuard.com stands for less crime in this country, not more crime.”

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