I am going to get myself a pistol I can carry.
@Chosen Daughter Unless you are an experienced handgun shooter,look for a double-action revolver small enough to fit your hand comfortably and that will fit into your jacket pocket or purse.
Forget fancy target sights. If you need it,it will be at close range,and "point and shoot" will be what you need to be doing.
Do NOT buy a Magnum caliber unless you are serious about shooting and reloading. They are hard to handle and hit targets with unless you have done a lot of practice with them.
One of MY personal favorite self-defense calibers is the old tried and true 44 Special loaded with 200 grain lead bullets at moderate velocities to reduce recoil and over-penetration. The idea is to find a load that will penetrate deeply,but not waste energy by blowing out his back and continuing down the street.
Bullet construction and powder charges are more important than caliber,and the individuals ability to shoot the handgun accurately and hit the target where they want to hit the target are the prime caliber considerations. I can put a 44 caliber bullet in your eye socket at 15 feet with my double-action only 44 Special with 200 grain hollowpoint bullets,but I suspect I am considerably stronger than you are,and I have been carrying and shooting guns for over 60 years.
The prime considerations are "does the gun fit my hand,is it easy for me to shoot and control,and is it safe for me to carry and handle in a panic situation."
For newbies,I ONLY recommend revolvers. They are the original "point and click devices". No safeties to worry about,and you can find one that will fit your hand comfortably,be comfortable to shoot,and if necessary,you can shoot one right through your coat pocket or purse if push comes to shove.
You can't do that with a semi-auto because the slide coming back will cause the pistol to jam after the first shot from your coat pocket or purse.
The prime thing to remember is a hit with a 22 LR rimfire bullet is MUCH more effective than and a miss with a 44 Magnum,and due to size,weight,and carrying restrictions,you are much more likely to carry a smaller and lighter gun with you when you leave home.
Once you start to get serious about this and start looking around,send me any questions you might have by PM.