So how does self-defense fit into our understanding of the psychology of violence? What factors is this course (see below) in particular, focused on? You can reflect on these issues and post as a comment for 5 extra credit points. You can attend the session and reflect, for 15 extra credit points.
SELF-DEFENSE SEMINAR
A self-defense seminar will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday, April 18, in Old Central Ballroom, MAU. Men and women are welcome to the first hour of this seminar, which will focus on safety and education, targeted toward college-age individuals. The second hour is for women only and will focus on learning self-defense skills. This event is free and refreshments will be provided. Wear comfy clothes and shoes. For more information, contact Anti-Violence Advocates at uniava@gmail.com or Staci Chananie-Hill at stacich@uni.edu.
Self defense fits into my understanding of the psychology of violence because self defense helps protect one from violent situations, and sometimes can even be misinterpreted as violent. This seminar was focus mostly on sexual assault and rape situations. We heard several stories that the presenter had witnessed or been told by others, and also ways to prevent this from happening. She gave a few hints to the women on how to notice when a man is up to no good. I feel this is a seminar that should be set up for ALL female students to come see their first year of college. I feel it can help prevent a lot of date rape and even sexual assault situations from happening. I say "females" because the are the majority that are assaulted, but men are assaulted also. I would encourage men to attend also so that they can help their close females friends and family members and give them advice on how to avoid assaults and rape.
The speaker did a great job on keeping the crowd interested, and her presentation was very informative. Nothing she presented was irrelevant in any type of way. Even though I've never been a victim of a sexual assault or involved in a rape situation, I feel that I learned a lot of necessary information by attending. Even though I only attended for extra credit, I definitely feel like it was well worth my time. I can pass this information on to my close friends, family members, and even my girlfriend to help them be able to point out when a situation isn't right. And also alert my male friends so that they know when they could possibly be sexually assaulting a female but not even know it. Not all sexual assault is violent and aggressive. It is simply any unwanted touching or verbal statements in a sexual manner.
I think self defense is a part of the psychology of violence is complex. Due to the fact that it is often a tactic to thwart violence from happening to one's self, it is also an act of violence within itself. While one might initially think of self defense as a violent act, its purpose is not to have that negative connotation to it because advocates/teachers of self defense push the idea that the skills learned are not to be abused...they are for the purpose of self protection. It is a technique used as a last resort to protect yourself from harm, and the harm you do to the other is only to inflict immediate pain on the perpetrator with the intent of escaping the risk of violence.
I attended the last part of the seminar because I was in another class until then. The instructor (Staci) taught a few key moves to become familiar with in order to protect yourself from an attacker. She discussed how the date rape drug is a factor locally and sexual assaults do happen around here, so it is an important skill to know. We were taught one move to defend ourselves from a forward attack and one move to defend ourselves from an attack from behind. Staci informed us that practicing these simple techniques twice a week for a few weeks can make all the difference. Becoming familiar enough with the skills and comfortable enough in doing them can allow for just enough time to escape a violent or dangerous situation. I found the class to be beneficial and fun. Staci informed the class that she plans to begin an 8 week class including more detailed techniques for self defense. She hopes to begin this in the summer or fall that I plan to sign up for if possible and was open to emails from others if anyone was interested.
In the past, I have been a part of the S.A.V.E. group (Students Against a Violent Environment) which is now known as AVA (Anti-Violence Advocates), the group that put on this self-defense seminar. I was not able to attend this session, but I have gone to ones in the past. I think they are a great service to students to give them a view on some statistics as well as the reality of sexual violence that may be happening on our campus.
The self-defense techniques are also very helpful. There is also the RAD class available as a fitness class at the WRC that teaches more of the moves and gives a really great way to practice and approach personal safety. It is taught by two of the UNI Police force, Andrea Jennings and Jim Dally. It costs $15 I believe and lasts 3 weeks (? it may have changed, don't quote me on it). They offer different sessions throughout the semester so that many women can experience the class. It is for women only, sorry guys, but it gives a really great way to teach self defense and become more self-aware.
I think the idea of self defense fits into the topic of violence because it takes the power back into the hands of the victim (or potential victim). If a female has suffered abuse, rape, etc and she then learns to defend herself, it is less likely she will be a victim again. Once she becomes more aware of her surroundings and knows how to handle herself when a situation arises, she is much more likely to avoid an attack.
Yes, a woman fighting back is violence as well toward her attacker, but it is being done in DEFENSE, as in to protect herself, so it is seen as acceptable. We allow women to be violent when protecting themselves in order to prevent worse violence from happening to their own bodies.