Why Australian women are rushing to buy these stylish safety keychains that could save lives

When a young Melbourne woman was threatened by an aggressive stranger at her local shopping centre, she never imagined it would spark one of Australia's most talked-about safety innovations. But sometimes necessity truly is the mother of invention.

Australia is facing what the Prime Minister declared a 'national crisis' of violence against women, with one woman being killed every four days, making personal safety products more relevant than ever.

For many Australian women—and perhaps your daughters and granddaughters—feeling safe in public spaces is no longer something they can take for granted.

From threat to triumph: the birth of Kepler Keychains

Tyrelle Beattie's story begins with what should have been an ordinary day at her local Melbourne shopping centre.

When she politely asked a man to take his loud phone call outside, his response was chilling: he threatened to break her jaw.

Although security removed him, the incident left Tyrelle shaken and searching for ways to feel safer.

'After security escorted him out, I went straight home to start looking for something that would help me feel safer outside of my home,' Tyrelle recalls.

What she discovered was frustrating—most overseas safety products were illegal in Australia, and local options were severely limited.

Rather than accept this gap in the market, Tyrelle decided to create her own solution. After months of research, including consultations with police officers and extensive testing of different alarm systems, Kepler Keychains was born.

What makes these keychains different

At $59 each, these aren't your average keychains. These Australian-legal safety tools are designed to be practical, effective, and completely legal to carry anywhere in Australia. Each pastel-coloured keychain packs four essential safety features into something small enough to fit in your palm:

The 130dB personal alarm - Louder than a jet engine, this alarm is designed to startle attackers and draw immediate attention. The sound is powerful enough to be heard from considerable distances, giving users precious seconds to escape danger.

Seatbelt cutter - In car accidents, this tool can slice through tangled seatbelts in seconds, potentially saving lives when every moment counts.

Glass-breaking pen - Disguised as an ordinary pen, this tool can shatter car or building windows during emergencies, providing an escape route when doors are blocked.

10ml spray bottle - Users can fill this small pouch with whatever they choose, though it's worth noting what's legal to carry in different states.

A business born from genuine need

The business has grown rapidly, now boasting over 4,000 Instagram followers, and Tyrelle has sold an impressive 3,400 Safety Keychains in just 12 months. But this isn't just about profit—safety is only part of Kepler's mission.

The company donates $1 from every keychain sold to Escabags, an Australian charity supporting families and individuals escaping domestic violence.

The response from customers has been overwhelming, with women sharing their own frightening experiences and explaining how something as simple as a keychain helps them feel more confident and in control.

Why safety products are booming in Australia

The surge in demand for personal safety products isn't happening in isolation. The federal government has invested $4 billion into women's safety across its three budgets, including 113 individual initiatives addressing prevention, early intervention, response, healing and recovery.

Women's safety advocates describe 2024 as one of the worst years on record, with unprecedented demand across shelter networks and many operating at capacity.

This context helps explain why practical safety solutions are resonating so strongly with Australian women. Whether it's walking to the car after dark, travelling alone, or simply going about daily activities, the need for accessible safety tools has never been clearer.

Beyond keychains: other safety innovations

The demand for safety products has sparked innovation across the board. Earlier this year, shoppers flocked to Bunnings to purchase the $31 Swann Graphite Gen 2 ActiveResponse Personal Alarm.

This device offers both a loud siren activated by pulling a cord and a discreet text function to alert emergency contacts.

Social media influencer Jen Lourdes, who demonstrated the Bunnings alarm, highlighted its versatility: 'This is really great if you're going for runs or you're solo travelling, or if you work night shifts.' The device's dual functionality—loud alarm and silent alert—addresses different emergency scenarios.

Perfect timing for Christmas consideration

As Christmas approaches, safety keychains are being recognised as thoughtful, practical gifts. For parents and grandparents concerned about their loved ones' safety, these products offer tangible peace of mind wrapped in an attractive package.

The timing is particularly relevant given the heightened awareness of women's safety issues throughout 2024. Rather than simply worrying about family members, these products offer a practical way to contribute to their safety and confidence.

The bigger picture of personal safety

While no product can guarantee complete safety, these tools represent something important: the right of every person to feel confident and prepared in public spaces. They're not about living in fear, but about being sensibly prepared.

For many women, carrying a safety device isn't about expecting the worst—it's about removing that nagging worry that can affect how freely they move through the world. It's about being able to help others in emergency situations, from car accidents to building evacuations.

What this means for families

If you're considering these products for yourself or as gifts, think about the peace of mind factor. For many families, knowing that daughters, granddaughters, or partners have access to emergency tools provides comfort on both sides.

The products also spark important conversations about safety awareness, emergency preparedness, and looking out for others in the community. These discussions, particularly between generations, can be valuable in building overall safety consciousness.

Practical considerations before purchasing

Before investing in safety products, consider your specific needs and circumstances. If you're frequently in isolated areas, the alarm function might be most valuable. For those concerned about car safety, the seatbelt cutter and window breaker could be priorities.

It's also worth discussing these tools with family members, particularly teenagers and young adults who might benefit from them. Understanding how and when to use each feature ensures the investment provides maximum benefit.

The $59 price point puts these keychains in the mid-range category for safety products. While more expensive than basic alarms, the multi-function design and Australian legal compliance provide additional value.

Have you or your family considered personal safety products? What factors would influence your decision to purchase or recommend safety keychains? Share your thoughts and experiences with safety preparedness in the comments below.