My oldest daughter, when she was not yet an adult started packing a 9mm Shield (gen 1 version). This was due to some events, as well as the fact that the local LE were completely apathetic in their response to a specific incident.
She was already a trained revolver shooter,
so getting her tuned up on a semi auto was not too tough. I told her that she was to protect herself as necessary and I would handle the rest.
So pack a gun, practice with it, develop your skill sets and be able to protect those you love and care for. Nobody else is going to do it for you.