Attending a self-defense class for women is the best thing I’ve done for myself lately.
The instructor, Robert Verdell, who is trained in self-defense, wrestling, dance and several forms of martial arts, believes that self-defense is one of the most important things for girls and women to learn. I agree—this point was made shockingly clear by the statistics Robert shared with the class. This is why he continues to offer the class, even though his aching body tells him it’s time to retire.
• Sexual assault continues to be the most rapidly growing violent crime in America.
• 1 in 3 American women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime.
• 1 in 4 college women have either been raped or suffered attempted rape.
• Only 16% of rapes are ever reported to the police.
• 1 in 12 male students surveyed had committed acts that met the legal definition of rape; however, 84% said what they had done was definitely not rape.
• In a survey of college-aged males, 43% admitted to using coercive behavior to have sex, including ignoring a woman’s protest, using physical aggression, and forcing intercourse.
• In a survey of high school students, 56% of the girls and 76% of the boys believed forced sex was acceptable under some circumstances.
Much of the 3 ½ hours of class time involved real-life simulations of attacks. This may sound a bit intimidating, but it was very helpful and enlightening. It gave each of us in the class—there were nine—multiple opportunities to practice the techniques we were learning.
Because the simulations were as realistic as possible, I’m now aware of how I might react in such a situation and I know what I should practice and prepare for, both mentally and physically.
First of all, it’s important to project an un-victim-like confidence and a vigilant demeanor. We practiced other resistance techniques such as defying the perpetrator’s firm verbal and psychological actions by acting suspicious and rude. We also practiced immediately reacting to invasion of personal space and physical aggression by running, shouting and using various physical offense and defense tactics.
Many women are afraid to take a self-defense class. Consider this: Successful resistance of assault depends on overcoming fear and being determined not to be raped.
Note: Robert Verdell teaches women’s self-defense classes through Lansing Community College (weekend course) and Creative Wellness in East Lansing, Michigan.