she should carry a gun. they make bags that allow you to have your hand on the gun while it is concealed.  she could have the gun loaded with a round chambered. she simply places her hand in the pocket of the shoulder bag around the gun, finger on the trigger.  if she lives in an area in which she is afraid of being prosecuted for self defense she needs to move.  it is not worth living in an area in which you fear for your personal safety and also fear you will be prosecuted if you defend yourself.
United States