Rape Alarm, Attack Alarm or Panic Alarm: What Is the Difference?

If you have searched for a personal alarm you will have seen at least four names. For a carry-with-you alarm, they mostly describe the same thing.

The names

• Rape alarm: the everyday UK name for a small, loud alarm you carry.
• Personal attack alarm: the same device; the term police and retailers tend to use.
• Personal safety alarm: the same again, used more in the US and by brands.
• Panic alarm or duress alarm: can mean the same carry alarm, but in homes and workplaces it can also mean a fixed button linked to a monitoring centre. "Personal duress alarm" is common in Australia.

What they do

Pull the pin (or press a button) and a very loud siren sounds, often with a flashing light. The aim is to startle, draw attention and help people find you. A carry alarm does not call anyone; monitored alarms do.

What police accreditation means

In the UK, Secured by Design is the police crime prevention initiative. Products can earn Police Preferred Specification after independent testing to a recognised standard, and Sold Secure runs its own tests for personal attack alarms. It tells you a product met a tested standard; it does not mean the police will respond to the alarm.

Is it legal to carry?

Yes, in the UK, Ireland, the US and Australia. See our country-by-country guide.

Ashley Alarm 2 has a 130dB+ siren, a 200-lumen strobe and USB charging, and is carried by 130,000+ women. See Ashley Alarm 2.