Don't bring a stick to a knife fight

Gangbangers beat and stab a man in his home, but then apologize when they realize they have the wrong guy. A woman that lives in the house was unable to stop the attack. Here's why:

The woman, who spoke to KCRA but did not want to be identified, said she came running down the stairs with a stick in her hand just after 6 a.m. when she heard a commotion.

There is a much better tool to deal with thugs. What would she have done if they attacked her?