Everything Self Defense Columbia, South Carolina

The recent statistics on domestic violence really are staggering.  1 in 4 women are predicted to be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. The reality of domestic violence became all too real for me this month. I was contacted by a women who was interested in enrolling in my school but wasn't able to start after the holidays.  After talking to her on the phone for a few minutes, I could sense something was not right.  After questioning her, she confided to me that she was being abused by her boyfriend, who had threatened to kill her repeated.  Even though she had gone to the police, the legal system really wasn't protecting her and she was very scared. I invited her to my school the very next day and worked with her for nearly 3 hours one on one.  While I realize one lesson will not make her safe, I tried to offer her some basic tools, mental as well as physical to help protect herself. I also provided a folder of resources for her to look into, particularly, one of ...

Did you know that 1 in 4 women in the United States is a victim of domestic violence sometime in her life? 1 in 4 means that approximately 2.5 million women will be victims of domestic violence in 2012 1 in 4 means that a woman you know is or has been a victim of domestic violence 1 in 4 means that it could be your mom, grandma, sister, aunt, coworker or friend Check out the NNEDV for help: New "What If We All Spoke As One" Video from NNEDV - Add Your Voice to end Domestic Violence The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) works to ensure that there is someone there in every state and community around the country—to listen, to care and to help anyone who needs us. You have the power to make sure that when it happens to someone you know, they have someone to turn to. You have the power to end their suffering by standing with NNEDV to support victims who need help and to bring an end to domestic violence.

The following suggestions are brought to you by The Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) HOW CAN I HELP A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WHO IS BEING ABUSED? Don’t be afraid to let him or her know that you are concerned for their safety.  Help your friend or family member recognize the abuse. Tell him or her you see what is going on and that you want to help. Help them recognize that what is happening is not “normal” and that they deserve a healthy, non-violent relationship. Acknowledge that he or she is in a very difficult and scary situation.  Let your friend or family member know that the abuse is not their fault. Reassure him or her that they are not alone and that there is help and support out there. Be supportive.  Listen to your friend or family member. Remember that it may be difficult for him or her to talk about the abuse. Let him or her know that you are available to help whenever they may need it. What they need most is someone who will believe and listen t...

October is Domestic Violence Month! Why does that matter? Because sadly, South Carolina is ranked 6th in the nation for domestic violence! Samurai Karate Studio will be partnering with Sanctity, Inc., a local non profit that helps victims of domestic violence and offering a FREE self defense workshop for women on Monday, October 17, 2011, starting at 7:30pm..  This seminar with be both classroom presentation and hands on training to cover basic techniques of self defense. What you learn, could save your life some day! Classroom presentation will include: The 3 reasons women get attacked Attack indicators What happens to the body during attack Power of your voice Common everyday items you can use to defend yourself On the Mat training will include: How to break free from being grabbed Defense tactics against being choked from the front and behind, bear hugs and hair pulls Every women who participates in this seminar will leave having a much better understandin...

Posted by Jasmine Williams on September 16, 2011 5:23 AM Domestic violence has left over 500 women in South Carolina dead since 2005. On Aug. 28, Jennifer Wilson, a professor at the University of South Carolina, died in her home following multiple stab wounds. Police arrested her ex-boyfriend, Hank Hawkes, for her death. It was early morning when neighbors called to report a loud argument, including Wilson screaming, "No, no, no!" But since it was quiet in the home when police drove by, they did not check on the woman. She was found dead later that day, Yahoo News reported. For the rest of the story, please click HERE . Sensei Chris Feldt Samurai Karate Studio Columbia, SC 29229 803-462-9425

For those of you that might have missed it, Dr. Phil had a special on domestic violence this past week.  It was sickening.  Several ladies were featured who were dealing with ex-husbands/boy friends that were physically and mentally torturing them.  We all know domestic violence is happening, but when you personalize it and see the effects of an abusive situation, it's really frightening AND maddening. Have I been sitting on the sidelines doing nothing?  Heck no! I have raised money for one of the big domestic shelters in Columbia and I have taught free self defense workshops for the volunteers of this shelter, as well as several of their clients.  I did quite a bit of research online, to better understand this topic and include domestic violence facts and statistics in my free quarterly self defense workshops where the community is invited. Why? South Carolina is ranked 6th in the nation in domestic violence and 10th in domestic violence mu...

According to the Safe Horizon's website, the following are the latest facts on domestic violence:   Domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, socio-economic status, or other factors. The Victims One in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.  Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults and rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults. Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner (30%) than men (5%). Women ages 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence. Every year, 1 in 3 women who is a victim of homicide is murdered by her partner. The Families Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes. Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence are also victims o...

The following links provide up to date statistics on domestic violence and are highly recommended if you are looking for more information on domestic violence: Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Justice Programs. Intimate Partner Violence in the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Injury Prevention and Control: Violence Prevention. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Fact Sheets National Criminal Justice Reference Service, Family Violence – Facts and Figures Sensei Chris Feldt Samurai Karate Studio Columbia, SC 29229 803-462-9425

It starts with the words, “I love you,” and it ends with a punch in the face. It starts with the line, “It’s us against the world,” and it ends with her against the wall in tears. It starts with the suggestion of what to wear, and it ends with him saying, “I tear you down to build you up. You are mine.” I have heard the stories. I have seen the pain. So let’s look at the warning signs that every teen needs to know as well as parents. Yes, it’s a “family problem”, however with education and the ability to be proactive every teen has the opportunity to escape the wrath of an abuser – safely. Please do not ignore the following information. See the rest of the article HERE . About the Author.... Anne Jacoby Anny is a Survivor of Domestic Violence with many years as a Certified Advocate. She firmly believes that EVERY female has the absolute right to protect and defend herself mentality, emotionally, spiritually and ultimately physically. Anny received her PDR (Personal Defense...

BY SANDY THORN CLARK Mar 15, 2011 Breaking the silence associated with domestic violence — and giving a voice to its victims — is one of the major goals of Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), a 30-year Chicago organization committed to ending the crime. It’s why “Sounds of Silence” was chosen as the theme for CAWC’s 25th Annual Spring Gala Saturday night at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The shame and guilt associated with being a victim are the top contributors to the silence, according to Stephanie Love-Patterson, associate director of CAWC. The organization offers: a 24-hour hotline; Greenhouse Shelter, a shelter for battered women; an outreach services program for the Humboldt Park area; a Hospital Crisis Intervention Project at Stroger Hospital, and domestic violence education at Haymarket Center, the third largest center in Illinois for alcohol and substance addictions. Read the rest of the article HERE . Sensei Chris Feldt Samurai Karate Studio Columbia, SC ...