Originally Posted by
DesertEyes 
There are, Chicory, call your local police department. Most of them give free classes on tasers, pepper spray and self defense. Some of the bigger ones give a bit of martial arts training too.
Mike
Just a couple of things. In some states (I live in one) tasers are illegal. They aren't even legal for the police here. Make sure you live in a state where they are legal--there's nothing a batterer would enjoy more than getting YOU arrested.
The other thing is that using weapons in self-defense is always tricky, and especially in DV situations. Even when you are legally justified in using it, you might wind up being arrested and charged--self-defense statutes are tricky and it's always best to avoid being in a situation where you have to physically defend yourself (which is why safety planning is so important).
I'm not suggesting for a second that someone NOT use whatever means are necessary to defend him/herself, but just pointing out some of the potential problems. There's also always the possibility that your attacker will manage to get it away from you and use it against you.
It's always preferable to plan not to be in a situation where self-defense (especially with need for weapons) will be necessary.
Be safe, everybody!