According to the Criminal Victimization Bulletin in 2014, statistical analysis by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that “U.S. residents ages 12 and over experienced an estimated 5.4 million violent victimizations.” (bjs.gov) Violent victimizations include rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.
Selected findings on females specifically showed the following statistics:
- “In 2010, females experienced 270,000 rape or sexual assault victimizations at a rate of about two victimizations per 1,000 females age 12 or older.”
- “In 2005-10, the offender was reported to be armed with a gun, knife or other weapon in 11 percent of rape or sexual assault victimizations.”
- “In 2005-10, 78 percent of sexual violence involved an offender who was a family member, intimate partner, friend or acquaintance.
- Strangers committed about 22 percent of all sexual violence, a percentage that remained unchanged from 1994 to 2010.”
- “In 2005-10, about 58 percent of female victims of sexual violence suffered a physical injury during the attack, such as cuts, bruises, internal injuries, broken bones, gunshot wounds or rape injuries. This percentage remained unchanged from 1994-98 to 2005-10.”
- “In 2005-10, females who were age 34 or younger, who lived in lower income households, and who lived in rural areas experienced some of the highest rates of sexual violence.”
- “From 1995 to 2010, approximately 9% of all rape or sexual assault victimizations recorded in the NCVS involved male victims.” (bjs.gov)
These statistics should tell us something very important; that women are not being equipped to defend themselves against an attacker.
The data paints a dark picture, but it is something we can and should do something about.
Self-defense classes offer a number of benefits for people of all ages. You can take self-defense classes in gyms and community centers around the country. There are a variety of styles, moves and self-defense techniques, so do your research to find a style that fits you, and then find a qualified instructor in that style.
Safety
Self-defense classes teach you how to defend yourself in a variety of situations, according to the Prepare website. Knowing self-defense can help you feel less anxious in public. You will learn the basics of how to quickly disable an attacker so that you can escape, focusing on learning how to take advantage of time and space to make a quick getaway.
Exercise
Self-defense classes can offer exercise benefits such as muscle toning and strengthening, improved balance and coordination and an effective cardiovascular workout. Such classes also help you improve your overall physical condition, your mental approach to health and fitness and your chances of escaping from an attack, according to martial arts expert Joel Wasel. Various moves, kicks, punches, twists and turns used in self-defense or martial arts techniques also help increase flexibility, strength and stamina. Self defense teaches that it takes more than muscles to defeat an attacker, according to Master Instructor Sam Chan of Chan’s Kung Fu School.
Increased Self-Confidence
Training in self defense helps people, especially women, develop more confidence in themselves and their surroundings, according to Wasel. Self-defense training helps you learn to be more aware of your surroundings and to be prepared for the unexpected at any time. Knowing that you have the ability to defend yourself often helps you more fully explore the world, meet new people and find new ways to engage with others.
Social Interaction
Self-defense classes give you an opportunity to gather with peers, meet new people and develop new friendships. Many self defense classes are made up of people in different age groups or with different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, which can help you build a greater tolerance and understanding of other cultures. Martial arts and many self-defense disciplines teach the importance of respecting differences, honoring your elders and showing respect and tolerance of others.