Self Defense: Why It's Important for Women to Learn

Self Defense: Why It’s Important for Women to Learn

Earlier today, Congress passed an updated version of the Violence Against Women Act. Originally passed in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act authorizes funding for programs that help prosecute cases of domestic abuse and sexual assault and assist victims of such cases. The recently updated version of the bill will ensure up to $660 million each year for programs for the next five years. However, this is 17% less than the last time this act was renewed back in 2005 and while this act will help with the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault, it can’t fully prevent it which is why it’s also important for women to know how to defend themselves.

According to rainn.org, every two minutes someone in the U.S is sexually assaulted. 54% of sexual assaults are not reported to police and 97% of rapists will never spend a day in jail. In about 8 out of 10 rapes, no weapons are used other than physical force. This type of violence against women affects not only the U.S. but worldwide. According to a 2013 UN Women study, more than 99% of women in Egypt are victims of some form of harassment. 

Former WWE Diva Eve Torres is a strong advocate against domestic violence and sexual assault. Having a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she helps teach a women’s self defense program at the Gracie Academy called Women Empowered. Eve Torres also supports multiple charities that focus on domestic violence and sexual assault such as RAINN, Beauty Cares and V-Day.

While it’s best to avoid situations and places that can put someone in danger, that unfortunately is not always preventable. That’s why it’s important to prepare yourself in case danger should occur. Carrying mace or a rape whistle can help but it is not always effective.

It is also important to know how to spot a dangerous environment and what to do if a potential attack should occur. Make sure you report any situation to the local authorities, whether it’s an attack or even a situation or place that looks threatening to a person’s life and security. One thing that can help is to participate in some sort of physical activity that can be used as self defense such as kickboxing or karate.

Taking a self defense class is definitely beneficial but if there are no self-defense classes near where you live, you can still order self-defense DVDs that will help teach you moves that are useful in protecting yourself during an attack. A DVD of the Gracie Women Empowered program I mentioned earlier is available for purchase at gracieacademy.com.