A stun baton is a self defense device which disrupts the message the brain sends to the voluntary muscles. Simply touching an attacker with a stun baton for three to five seconds will deliver a high voltage shock causing loss of balance and muscle control, confusion, and disorientation bringing him to his knees and making him incapable of further aggressive activity. Full recovery takes about five to ten minutes and there is no permanent harm. It measures 18 inches long so it will keep you at a safe distance from your attacker. You can defend yourself by hitting with the baton or touching an attacker with its end. If the attacker attempted to grab the baton he would also get shocked because the top half of the shaft is also "hot". At 500,000 volts this is the highest voltage stun baton available. Designed without a safety switch for quick use. Requires two 9 volt batteries. Note: Please use Energizer batteries as others are usually too large for battery compartment.