We all experience it at some point: you’re walking home alone in the evening after a late appointment and you feel somewhat uncomfortable. Usually nothing happens at all and you get home safely. Nevertheless, you might consider whether you can sufficiently ensure your own personal safety. Therefore, in this article we discuss self-defence tools in Belgium and the Netherlands, so that you can protect yourself within the boundaries of the law.
Self-defence and legislation in Belgium and the Netherlands
The legislation regarding self-defence is different in the Netherlands than in Belgium. One thing I noticed immediately: both countries have very strict rules and complex legislation. What can be done without problems in other countries is often strictly regulated here. For example, pepper spray is considered a prohibited weapon in Belgium and the Netherlands. Even more striking: if a burglar in Belgium injures themselves on an anti-climb strip on your wall or fence, they can in theory file a complaint.
That strict and sometimes absurd legislation doesn’t mean you have to be completely defenceless. In Belgium, the principle of ‘lawful self-defence’ is set out in Article 416 of the Criminal Code, which states that you may defend yourself against an unlawful attack, provided the response is proportionate. With Article 41, the Netherlands has a comparable article in the Criminal Code.
What is and isn’t permitted?
In Belgium, the possession of weapons is strictly regulated by the Weapons Act. This law categorises different self-defence tools:
- Prohibited weapons: Firearms without a licence, pepper spray, tasers, truncheons, knuckle-dusters
- Freely available tools: Alarm pistols (with licence), legal sprays for other purposes, tactical torches
In the Netherlands, the regulations are determined by the Weapons and Ammunition Act (WWM), which classifies weapons into categories:
- Category I: Completely prohibited weapons such as stilettos, gravity knives, throwing stars, pepper spray and knuckle-dusters
- Category II: Firearms (only with licence)
- Category III: Certain firearms for hunting and sport (with licence)
- Category IV: Objects that can serve as weapons, such as knives and air pressure weapons
It’s important to know that even with legal means, their use must always comply with the principle of proportionality. This means that your defence must be proportionate to the attack.
Discover this legal pepper spray
We recently came into contact with the people from SafeAtAllTimes from the Netherlands, who sell the Plegium Smart Spray. Discover here our review of this legal self-defence weapon.
Legal self-defence tools
Let’s look at what legal options are available in Belgium and the Netherlands. Many of these self-defence tools are freely available in specialist shops and online stores. For others, you need a licence.
Tactical torches
Tactical torches or police torches are more than just a light source. They can temporarily disrupt an attacker’s vision. Moreover, they’re sturdy – some models even have a serrated edge that can be used as an impact weapon in emergency situations.
The best tactical torches combine:
- High light intensity
- Sturdy, impact-resistant construction
- Compact format for easy carrying
- Strobe function for disorientation
In both Belgium and the Netherlands, tactical torches are completely legal and constitute an effective means of self-defence.
Personal alarm devices
A personal alarm or panic button is usually a keyring, containing a siren and sometimes a GPS tracking system. When you pull the pin from the keyring or press the panic button, the siren goes off. They can not only attract attention, but can also surprise and deter attackers.
Personal alarms are:
- Completely legal in both countries
- Easy to use
- Easy to carry (on keyring or in bag)
- Effective at attracting attention
They are even actively recommended by some police zones as a safe way to attract attention in emergency situations.
Kubotan and ‘tactical pens’
Kubo-what? A kubotan is a small stick approximately 14 cm long made of hard plastic or aluminium and can function as a keyring. If you’re attacked, the kubotan can be used to strike pressure points and to strengthen your grip. Kubotans also exist in the form of reinforced pens. These everyday objects are not immediately seen as self-defence tools.
Self-defence expert Nick Drossos explains how you can use a kubotan.
Grey area
In the Netherlands and Belgium, kubotans are in a grey area. They are not an explicitly prohibited weapon, but can be considered a weapon in certain circumstances. Choose a subtle design that primarily serves as a keyring.
Discover some kubotans here
Defensive sprays
Pepper spray is prohibited in both countries, but alternatives such as dye sprays or sprays based on other substances are legal because they are not primarily sold as weapons. These can be used to mark attackers, or to temporarily deter them. Note: these sprays do not have the incapacitating effect of pepper spray, but can provide valuable time to escape.
Everyday items
You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive tools to defend yourself. Many everyday objects can serve as self-defence tools.
Always in your pocket
Many items we carry every day can be life-saving.
Keys:
- Place one or two keys between your fingers (not as a knuckleduster, but individually)
- Use keyrings with a pointed end
- Add weight to your keyring with a sturdy keyring attachment
Belts:
- A sturdy leather belt can serve as a defensive tool
- Fold the belt in half and hold the buckle end for more impact
- Premium belts made of thick leather are more effective than thin synthetic versions
Umbrellas:
- Choose models with a sturdy metal tip and shaft
- Compact umbrellas with automatic opening mechanisms can create a surprise effect
- Use the tip to jab and the shaft to ward off blows
- There are even self-defence umbrellas with reinforced construction that look like ordinary umbrellas
Bags and rucksacks:
- A filled bag can serve as a shield
- A heavy bag on a shoulder strap can be used as an improvised striking weapon
- Swing a bag in a circular motion to create distance
Writing and stationery items
Pens and pencils are amongst the most underestimated self-defence tools. A sturdy pen can be used to strike pressure points.
Effective options are:
- Standard ballpoint pens: Choose metal versions that don’t break easily
- Tactical pens: Specially designed writing instruments made of aircraft aluminium with reinforced tip
- Thick marker pens: Provide a good grip and sturdiness
How to use:
- Hold the pen in an overhand grip (like holding a knife)
- Aim for soft tissues such as the throat, eyes or ribs during an attack
- Use short, quick movements instead of long sweeping motions
Kitchen utensils and household items
In home situations, everyday household objects can serve as effective defensive tools.
In the kitchen:
- Heat protection (oven gloves) as protection against knives or sharp objects
- Pots and pans with sturdy bottoms as striking weapons
- Tea towels can be used to mislead or distract an attacker
Cleaning products:
- Brooms and mops with sturdy handles as staff weapons
- Household sprays (glass cleaner, etc.) can be sprayed in an attacker’s eyes
- Long-distance plant sprayers can be filled with hot water or soap solution
Tools:
- Screwdrivers can serve as a stabbing weapon
- Hammers and spanners as striking weapons
- Pliers for gripping and pinching
In Belgium and the Netherlands, the following applies: objects that have a legitimate daily purpose and are not primarily carried as weapons are generally permitted.
Training and mental preparation
Even the very best self-defence tool is useless if you’re not trained. Look for self-defence courses in your area and learn de-escalation strategies.
Developing situational awareness
The best self-defence tool? Avoiding dangerous situations. That’s what situational awareness is about:
- Be alert about your surroundings
- Recognise potential dangers
- Identify escape routes
- Trust your intuition: get away if you feel unsafe
American Marine officer Jeff Cooper devised a colour code of awareness, which distinguishes four levels of alertness.
- White: You are unprepared and not ready to take action if you are attacked. If you are attacked now you have little chance of survival, unless your opponent is completely incompetent.
- Yellow: You are aware that you may be in danger and that you need to do something about it if that happens.
- Orange: You have identified a specific enemy or opponent and are prepared to take action to neutralise them
- Red: Ready for action, if necessary
The best mindset to constantly be in, according to Cooper, is yellow: alert but relaxed.
Legal considerations
Proportionality
Self-defence must be proportionate, both in Belgium and in the Netherlands. Your own defence must therefore be proportionate to the threat. Excessive force can lead to criminal prosecution, even if the initial self-defence was justified.
The factors that determine proportionality:
- Opportunities to escape
- Severity of the threat
- Physical differences between you and the attacker
- Presence of weapons
What to do after an incident
After an incident in which you have had to apply self-defence, you must take a number of immediate steps.
- Get yourself and others to safety
- Provide first aid to victims if necessary
- Call the police immediately (112)
- Document injuries with photographs
- Collect contact details of any witnesses
Conclusion
Safety is a fundamental right, but in both Belgium and the Netherlands there are legal restrictions. Tactical torches, personal alarms and other ‘everyday items’ are valuable and legal options. Also remember that your physical and mental preparedness is of fundamental importance.