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The Key Guard is a key chain that serves an alternative purpose. It can be used for simple techniques to get away from an opponent. It's very handy and can be attached to any key chain for easy access. Some techniques are shown in the attached images and videos (one targeting to the opponent's arm and one targeting to the opponent's head). Remember: this is a weapon, so use it carefully and only if you absolutely have no other choice.
Use Your Brain:
Ever since I was 4 years old, my karate instructors have always taught me to use my brain. This may sound silly, but your brain is your most powerful weapon. There are many things that you can do to protect yourself in bad situations, but if you can use your brain to know how to avoid or evade situations altogether, that's ideal.
One example of using your brain to avoid situations is to always walk with someone at night or when in a sketchy area (although, not going to the sketchy area at all would be even better). In the Girl Scouts we use the "buddy system" meaning we always take someone with us wherever we go. Wherever includes even the bathroom or the grocery store. This is the smartest way to avoid threats because it is much easier to be targeted when alone. However, if you do have to be alone in a situation, the best thing to do is know where you are going, do not look scared or aloof, walk with confidence and purpose, and park in a lit area close to your destination in case you have to run.
In college or high school, parties can be very dangerous. Using your brain is crucial in these situations. Bring a buddy, and do not go off alone with a boy unless they are very trusted or a close friend. Many schools have driving services or safety apps to keep their students safe, so if you end up getting separated from your group, you can call or use the app. Safety is always the number one priority. Plan who your buddy is. Never leave them alone or go off alone. Know what your school has for safety options. Plan to be safe.
Other general safety options are to never open your front door to someone unannounced/unknown, don't answer calls from unknown numbers, always have your key in your hand (and the key guard) as a weapon and an easy access to your car, and don't open unknown emails or links sent to you. Furthermore, if you are old enough to have a cellphone, make sure it is charged when you go somewhere, make sure someone knows where you are going, and have your buddy on speed dial.
Eyes, Wind, Wheels...
If you ever have to defend yourself, there are three key things you can always remember. The best places to strike an enemy are the eyes, wind (throat or wind pipe), and wheels (joints like the arms or legs). These are soft, sensitive targets. Striking them should enable the defender to run away from the enemy.
The end goal is to always get away. Your goal is to never hurt the person, unless there is no other choice. Before you even result to eyes, wind, and wheels, the best thing you can do in an altercation is to yell. It is frightening to the attacker, it is unexpected, it shows strength, and it almost always either alerts someone around you or stops the altercation altogether. If this does not stop the attacker, you can potentially distract them from the situation. For example, if the attacker demands for your wallet, throw it on the ground, and run away if possible. Throwing the wallet on the ground distracts them from your line of sight.
However, if you must physically engage, remember to target the eyes, wind, and wheels. Hitting or scratching the eyes may blind your attacker, making them let go of you to tend to themselves. This will allow for enough time to either run away or call for help. Striking the throat or wind pipe will instantly hinder their breathing, also allowing for time to get out of the situation. Finally, striking the joints will catch them off guard, and if you hit hard enough, might break a bone. This will definitely hurt the attacker and will once again give you enough time to get help.