Survivors’ Truth has been a reflection of women overcoming the struggles of abuse. There are still those, however, that try to cover up their pain and hide behind the mask of self-doubt, but what happens when danger trumps desire?
“The education system can play a vital role in the correct socialisation of our children, especially as many parents have ceased to do so. There are too many children with no caregivers, so how can they learn to care for anyone? It is not in the acts that you suggest that behaviour will change, it is showing respect and love for others by example,” she expressed.
USING SELF-DEFENCE
Donovan Laing, third degree black belt, raises the concern that instead of feeling powerless towards their abusers, women can use self-defence as a natural instinct to protect themselves.
In a session with Laing, Flair learnt the basic techniques and importance of self-defence in protecting yourself from being victimised, whether on the street or in the home. Laing believes that power is not always related to the body mass or build of your abuser, as once the technique and control is there, one punch can be effective, regardless of your size.
It can be hard to retaliate against loved ones but Laing shared that once there is a threat, you have to take it seriously.
“You have to love yourself, and when you love you, you will look after yourself. Anyone that threatens or touches you, you have a right to retaliate,” he expressed.
Abuse will continue to be endemic as others grow up around selfishness and dispassion, but women must love themselves in order to get out and seek help as the situation will only escalate. You do not have to fall victim to your circumstances, you can take control of your life.
It’s hard to resist scrolling through texts or turning up your music when you’re walking down the street, going into your car or home, or on your morning jog. But being distracted from your immediate environment ups your odds of becoming a target. So unplug, open your eyes and ears and concentrate on where you are and what you’re doing.
Breathing will allow you to remain calm and to control your adrenaline rush in confrontations. This also allows you to control the person’s response. Fitness will make the moves strong and impacting. It helps in the physical and mental reaction.
You must stay within the moment and remain calm. It takes continuous practice of the technique and breathing tactics for self-defence to not be a thought process but second nature. Here you will be able to look for your advantage, your point of attack or flight.
Practising the correct posture, position and moves will allow your technique to become an instinct. With the appropriate technique, each move and punch will count.
