AWARE was started in the 90's by Nancy Bittle, an engineer at one of the most prestigious high tech companies on the Boston, Massachusetts area, who was also the survivor of a particularly brutal crime which had shown her how inadequate much of the information being given women about self-protection was.

She became quite expert about what works, and what doesn't, in serious crime attacks, became an outspoken advocate for firearms for protection, and determined to start a non-profit organization to teach other women about effective protection.

Nancy wanted the name of the new group to be "We are AWARE", with AWARE being an acronym. Several full names were considered. it came down to two, one without any connotation of guns, the other Arming Women Against Rape and Endangerment. The latter was finally chosen, because, as Nancy said, "A woman can, and indeed should, be armed with courage, determination, spirit, and knowledge, whether or not she is armed with anything else." That became one of AWARE's founding principles. Other principles, started then and held to this day, are:

AWARE is an educational organization, not a political one.
AWARE will offer information and education about a wide range of self-protection options, not just guns.
AWARE will never sell or share information about anyone who contacts us with any other organization.

Eventually, Nancy decided to move out of Massachusetts. Our dedicated group of board members carries on her vision, with special expertise in combating stalking, and deep experience in training women to use guns to protect themselves and their families.

Courses were developed and offered which ranged from the standard NRA Basic Pistol and Home Firearms Safety, to Pepper Spray, Persuader, Basic Shotgun, Defensive Shotgun, Weapon Retention and Disarming, the Responsible Use of Lethal Force, Defensive Handguns, and a general Assault Prevention presentation.

AWARE has written several amicus briefs for legal cases involving situations about firearms. A few years ago a Massachusetts woman, Jaime Caetano, was arrested for having a stun gun in her purse that she was using to protect herself from her ex. Stun gun and Tasers were illegal in MA. Her case went all the way to the US Supreme Court, and AWARE participated by providing an amicus brief. In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that "the Second Amendment extends, prima facie, to all instruments that constitute bearable arms, even those that were not in existence at the time of the founding." Stun guns and Tasers should now be legal everywhere, thanks in part to AWARE's efforts.

In early 2000's, a decision was made to stop teaching courses and concentrate instead on providing the best information we could on our website.

The website now includes legal articles from two lawyers associated with AWARE and articles from Women&Guns magazine by Lyn Bates.

AWARE's mission is to educate the public, organizations, and individuals about issues related to personal safety.

AWARE is a source of information, and support, for people, primarily women, learning how to cope with violence. AWARE is focused on self-protection and self-defense skills that can enable women to avoid, resist, and survive situations ranging from low levels of aggression to extremely violent assault.

As an acronym, AWARE stands for Arming Women Against Rape and Endangerment, but don't interpret the word "arming" too literally. In our name, it implies that one can (and indeed should) be armed with courage, spirit, knowledge, and determination, whether or not one is armed with an extrinsic weapon.

AWARE includes women with first-hand knowledge of the realities of what it takes to be able to defend yourself. We have particular expertise in dealing with high-risk situations, such as stalking.

AWARE advocates self-protection along a continuum of force, because different types of protection are needed for different levels of threat. One's first responsibility is to try to avoid danger by preparation and alertness. If a problem arises, one should always attempt to leave, or keep it from escalating, if possible. Only if these methods fail, or if a high level of threat is posed by an assailant, is a higher level of response justified.

Our focus is on preventing violence through education. AWARE is here to provide responsible information, and support for women who want to learn how not to be victims.

AWARE is a charitable, non-profit, all-volunteer group, NOT a company trying to make money from selling a particular product or technique, and NOT a political organization. We are a tax-exempt (501(c)3) organization.

We are not affiliated with any other organizations, and we do not sell, rent, or share our mailing list. See our privacy policy for more details.