When it comes to self defense, particularly at night, a flashlight is actually one of your best defenses. Tactical flashlights are commonly included on stun guns and other self defense devices. Some are contained in long, durable cases that are designed to be used like a self defense baton. Additionally, a flashlight can be carried with you even if you opt not to carry a self defense device, or have a device that does not include a flashlight. Here are a few of the many self defense uses of a tactical flashlight:

Distracting or temporarily blinding an assailant. This can give you valuable seconds in which to escape, although the effect is short-lived, so you should already be on the move by the time your flashlight beam hits his eyes. As soon as the light distracts him, either use your pepper spray, MACE, or stun gun to stop the attack, or turn and run to safety.

Calling attention to the situation. Many criminals rely on darkness for cover. Illuminating the attacker with your tactical flashlight might be enough to discourage the attack. It will also attract the attention of others in the area. This strategy should be used in combination with a personal alarm to create as much commotion as possible.

Investigating suspicious behavior. Darkness can often be a cloak for suspicious behavior, from car prowlers to vandals. Your flashlight can help you investigate the situation, although you should never confront a potential assailant unless your safety is in jeopardy.

Aiming your self defense device. It can be tricky to aim some self defense devices in the dark. An attached tactical light will provide enough light to enable you to aim the device effectively. Some devices, such as TASER devices, come with an LED light designed for this purpose. LED lights are surprisingly bright, often many times brighter than a conventional flashlight, so you don't need to worry about seeing clearly in the dark.

Lighting your way. In addition to keeping you safe against an attacker, your flashlight can also keep you safe from trips and falls at night. Use it when walking in a dark parking lot or poorly lit street. The bright light can illuminate everything from broken pavement and tree roots to potential hiding spaces for someone lurking in the shadows.

When selecting a self defense device with a flashlight, check how intense its light is. Some lights are designed more for convenience, such as finding your way in the dark, than to be used during real self defense confrontations. The light should be bright enough to illuminate at least ten feet in front of you and temporarily blind or distract anyone whose eyes the light hits. Self defense flashlights come packaged in other self defense devices such as stun guns, or on their own, either in the form of a small and compact LED light which emits an extremely bright light and can even be attached to a keychain, or a larger and more substantial baton-style flashlight.