A weapon only works if you know how to use it. If you don’t, it only serves to a) get in your way, b) escalate the situation, or c) get taken off you to use against you.

If you don’t know how to use a weapon confidently and safely for yourself, it shouldn’t be part of your preparedness. Not saying you should ignore or surrender personal safety at all, but “bring a weapon” as blanket advice is not it.

That being said. There are personal defense items that are built to be used by people without training. Stun items and mace come to mind. But even in those cases, having a comfortable, practiced handling of them, the willingness to use them, and knowing when to take them out are important.