Even when the police are right outside standing guard.

Investigators were trying to determine Thursday how a man got into a woman’s apartment and killed her while police stood watch outside, Los Angeles police said.

They weren’t even minutes away, but they couldn’t protect her.  She had filed her complaint.  It seems it held more weight than the typical VPO.  And yet, she wasn’t protected.

Would a gun have prevented this?  Maybe.  A gun is certainly no magic talisman protecting it’s owner.  But with the proper tools and training, she would have had a chance.  Instead, she was left helpless.  She was left delegating the resposiblity of her personal safety to the professionals.

Only you can protect yourself.  You need the tools.  You need the training.  And you need to have the will to put it to use when necessary.  And when something bad is going to happen somewhere, don’t be there.  That may be your house.  Get out.  The police cannot protect you.  Be somewhere else.  The easiest way not to be a victim is to not be where crime happens.  If it’s going to happen, get out.  A gun is a tool of last resort.  Sometimes, you are where the crime is happening and you must stop it.  If at all possible, don’t be there.

This story is tragic on so many levels.  This woman was a victim before he killed her.  Ladies, please understand that the man that beats you, he will not stop.  One day, he may kill you.  You must get out.  When your friends are offering to help you, take the help.  Go.  Get out.  If the thought crosses your mind that you might need a gun because you’re afraid of your violent partner, it’s time to go.  You should have gone already.  He will not change one day.  Breaking your nose will not be the straw that makes him change.  Get out.