How about a punch to the face instead. Seriously.

The page below comes from a book about 100 items that women can use as improved weapons if attacked. Check out the full post over at Awful Library Books to see someone attacked with a handful of coins and a 3 1.2" floppy disk.

I think a lighter would only work if the assailant was a troll who needed to keep regenerating HP (D&D anyone?).