Arizona entrepreneur Dana Shafman, 35, is selling a sleek new range of stun guns rolled out last year by Scottsdale-based Taser International using the party format. Originally only available in a law enforcement model, the so-called "Lady Taser" is made in nine different colours and patterns, ranging from fashion pink to leopard skin and two varieties of camouflage. Schmoozing with clients at her home, and in a presentation aided by two male defence teachers, Ms Shafman says the device has a lot of appeal to women and is catching on fast.

Since starting out late last year, she has held some 30-40 home sales parties in several states across the US, marketing the gadgets to fashion conscious women concerned for their safety. "Women are asking for it, and there is a lot of interest," Ms Shafman said of the stylish C2 Taser models that retail at $US350 ($364), plus a $US10 registration fee. "The biggest hit seems to be fashion pink at the parties."

The stun gun works by scrambling the electrical signals sent by the brain to the muscles of the body, temporarily immobilising an attacker. The debut of the "Lady Taser" last year spiked concern among some police and human rights groups over possible misuse in civilian hands. While Tasers are banned in some states, Ms Shafman says she plans to extend her parties to all 43 where they are legal, offering mostly women clients what she says is protection from violent assaults.