The invention relates to a self-defence device (70) comprising at least two barrels (72a-d) which each contain a firing charge (74, 76, 75) each comprising an electrically ignited initial igniter (75) and a propelling charge (76) and an active charge (74), as well as a release mechanism (87) having a piezoelectric high-voltage pulse source (99) and a change-over switch (88). Via the change-over switch (88) one initial igniter (75) at a time can be electrically coupled to the high-voltage pulse source (99) for ignition. The release mechanism (87) has a trigger element (89) which when manually actuated acts on the high-voltage pulse source (99) such that a high-voltage pulse is generated. The change-over switch (88) is configured such that it can independently establish an electrical connection to one as yet unfired initial igniter (75) without the influence of the ignited propelling charge (76) or to a battery element. The above self-defence device is discreet in appearance, robust and easy to handle. It is recognizable as a weapon only on closer inspection. It requires no maintenance and remains operational for a period of several years.