While gender-based violence and crimes against women and children seem only to increase each year; it could be agreed that arming yourself with self-defence tactics and suitable defence devices has become crucial. When realistically considering the rise in violence over recent years, we can hardly rely on the assumption that feminist groups and activists fighting against ongoing violence will be able to eradicate the issue any time soon.
Therefore, learning to protect yourself against gender-based violence is the most realistic solution. It could be agreed that as more and more women uncover self-defence tactics, the closer the world will get to a violence-free status in which women and children will be able to feel safe. The following essential self-defence tips will help you get started on your journey to an empowered life.
Arm Yourself With An Assortment Of Defence Devices
If you are not comfortable carrying a handgun as so many of us are, you should still find suitable self-defence devices to protect yourself best. Firearms are not the only weaponry out there that will enable you to defend yourself against an attack. Defence devices such as pepper spray are incredibly safe to carry with you at all times. Modern models of pepper spray are also incredibly compact and lightweight. As most pepper spray devices have varied functions, you should consider which functions and spray action will be best for you.
Pepper spray is not the only effective self-defence creation out there as taser guns, or stun guns are becoming increasingly popular. Other defence devices to consider also include kubotans and different varieties of pocket-sized alarms.
Always Send Out Your Location
Carrying suitable defence devices is not the only measure you should take to keep yourself safe. While technology has simplified so many aspects of our day to day lives, it has always played a vital role in keeping us more connected than ever before. Taking advantage of the effect can ultimately protect you against gender-based violence. Instead of assuming your online date is everything they claim to be, you should make a habit of sending out your location to friends and loved ones.
Meeting an online date for the first time is not the only instance where it is relevant to send out your location to your contacts as visiting a new area, or only doing your regular grocery shopping, unfortunately, opens doors to potential attacks. As there is simply no saying which activities or areas are safe for women and children, it is a great idea to make a habit of ensuring someone always knows where you are.
Speed Dial Can Save A Life
The speed dial function has existed on mobile phones since the dawn of the iconic and unbreakable Nokia 3310 hit the markets and had us all entertained for hours with the wonders of the basic ‘Snake’ game. Even though most of us overlook what speed dial can do for us, setting up your phone with emergency contacts on speed dial is a great way to enjoy some peace of mind.
As tech keeps developing, you could set up your phone to text emergency details of your whereabouts to select contacts when necessary. There is also a variety of apps available that will alert your friends, family, and even emergency services with rapid function actions. There’s no doubt that every woman should have her phone set to alert authorities and loved ones as it is unfortunately impossible to rule out the possibility of being the victim of a gender-based attack.
Sign Up For Self-Defence Classes
Self-defence classes range from firearm training to kickboxing and everything in between. You definitely won’t be short on choice when it comes to selecting a self-defence class that you will be interested in. What’s more, there is no reason you can’t sign up for a couple of classes to protect yourself best.
However, there are also certain classes that are designed to teach women and even children the basics of self-defence tactics. When considering the growing demand for such courses, there is no doubt you will be able to find training facilities near you with a quick Google search.
Consider Recommended Safety Precautions
While there is ongoing debate surrounding women’s clothing choice, how women choose to travel, and where women choose to spend time, the simple truth is that women are not responsible for the essence of violence as endless reports detail situations that contain an infinite list of differences. However, even though choosing denim jeans over your new red dress won’t keep you safe, you can protect yourself by avoiding everyday situations that are associated with previous gender-based violence instances.
Therefore, you should consider safety precautions when enjoying a night out by keeping your drink with you at all times. You should also avoid drinking alcohol alone, or spending evenings alone regardless of the location specifics. Despite the uproar of rage, most women feel towards such recommendation as they undermine the rights of women, protecting yourself should be a top priority and altering small decisions you make when going out will amplify your safety.
Know The Statistics
Gender-based violence is, unfortunately, more of an issue in certain areas as opposed to others. Instead of assuming you are safe where ever you go because you have armed yourself with self-defence devices and your self-defence tactics are of expert level, you should know the statistics. South Africa hosts the highest rates of gender-based violence, while New Zealand hosts the highest numbers of domestic violence reports in the world. Unfortunately, no region in the world is void of gender-based violence reports that range from rape to violent attacks and domestic violence and others.
Knowing the statistics will essentially keep you in tune with what women around the globe are faced with daily. Even though ignorance is bliss, it is becoming more and more critical for women to educate themselves to ultimately fight back against the global issue concerning the safety of women and children.
