Abstract: This invention relates to a defensive device, and in particular to a device designed to be carried by the police or other authorities, or by certain civilians such as security personnel. According to the invention there is provided a defensive device comprising a substantially rigid rod and a flexible strap connected to the rod, the rod being less than approximately 20 cm in length and weighing at least 150 gm, the strap having a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being permanently joined together to provide a first loop portion adapted for connection to the rod, a second loop portion adapted to receive fingers of the user, and an intermediate permanently jointed portion between first and second loop portions, the strap having an effective length, when the loop portions and intermediate portion are pulled taut, of at least 15 cm.