Abstract: A hand held personal alarm incorporating a high intensity light and loud horn and further incorporating a plurality of switches that are located a distance apart that prevents their actuation by the digits of a single hand or by pressing the alarm against a single surface. The switches provide the only means of deactivating the alarm once activated. An alternative embodiment includes a timing circuit that prevents deactivation of the alarm for a set period after activation. Both schemes prevent easy deactivation of the alarm by an assailant, thereby providing more protection than with conventional hand held alarms.