Domestic Violence And Why It Is Relevant

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 murders!  It's very relevant to the work I do in my community AND more than likely, it's very relevant to the work YOU do!

I just created a free resource that includes resources on domestic violence, bullying, stranger danger, etc.  You can take a peek at it  HERE.

Now, the real work is to figure out a way to incorporate domestic violence into my INTELLIGENT CURRICULUM.

Long term domestic violence: Being abused in this manner is like being kidnapped and tortured for ransom but you will never have enough to pay off the kidnapper. by Rebecca J. Burns


Sensei Chris Feldt
 Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425
samuraikaratestudio@gmail.com

The Popularity of Grappling

Over the weekend, I watched some mixed martial art's matches on Showtime. Gosh, these athletes are really good. I love it when the fighters break to the ground and work feverishly on submitting one another.

Because of the popularity of the UFC and other MMA groups, I do get students from time to time that want to do nothing but grapple. And while grappling is an excellent way to get in shape and learn how to submit your attacker, I don't believe it is the ONLY way to learn how to defend yourself.

Take for example the video below.  

Warning, it is pretty graphic and the language is very offensive. However, it offers a quick illustration of what can and typically does happen in an altercation:

Protecting yourself on the street involves more than just dropping to the ground and rolling with your attacker. Having the ability to stand up and strike; or in this instance, even to block, is very important.

I love the Gracie family and what they have done for the martial arts, but I want to caution people who think that grappling is the best way to protect yourself on the street. Instead, it should just be a strategy in your arsenal of techniques.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Domestic Violence: The Facts

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 of abuse or neglect in 30% of 60% of such cases.
• A 2005 Michigan study found that children exposed to domestic violence at home show greater symptoms of trauma, including becoming sick more often, complaining frequently of headaches or stomachaches, and being more tired and lethargic.
• A 2003 study found that children are more likely to intervene when they witness severe violence against a parent – which places the child at great risk for injury or even death.

You can find more information HERE.


Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Domestic Violence Links

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

Rape & Sexual Assault Statistics

Rape and Sexual Assault Statistics

(From Bureau of Justice Statistics, Criminal Victimization, 2009, National Crime Victimization Survey: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2217)

In 2009, there were 125,910 reports of rape and/or sexual assault.

More than half of rape and sexual assault crimes take place between 6pm and 6am.

Females are more likely to be victims of rape or sexual assault than males.

Most victims of rape or sexual assault are females younger than 24 years of age.

Most rapes committed against women are committed by an intimate partner (spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend) or someone else they know (friend, family member, acquaintance).

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

New Cigarette Warning Labels

 
Everybody knew the graphic new cigarette labels the Food and Drug Administration would be disturbing. But the nine selected by the agency may still startle you.

The whole idea is that the labels will grab people by the lapels and be the visual equivalent of someone yelling: "Stop smoking!"

And, for the most part, the labels unveiled by the agency today live up to the advanced billing. Check out the ravaged teeth and damaged lip in the label on the left for starters.

Beginning in Sept. 2012, cigarette makers will have to give up the top half on their packages to display the nine images in rotation. In ads, 20 percent of the real estate at the top of the ads will have to be devoted to a graphic warning.

You can see the rest of the article, HERE.

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
Columbia, SC 29229
803-462-9425

Women and Self Defense

Statistically, current data shows that 1 out of 4 women are sexually assaulted during their lifetime. Yet, most women never take the time to learn how to defend themselves.

Why? Most women feel that due to their size, they have no chance against an assault, so they don't even bother to learn how to defend themselves.

Well, the secret to self defense is knowledge, that will give you techniques to defend yourself.

The below video was produced by the Gracie Family and features Eve Torres. While this video is meant to promote their new women's self defense program, it high lights why women often don't train in self defense.



I am of the opinion, no matter the circumstances, women should almost always fight back a sexual assault.

Please consider training in a good martial art's program. What you learn, could save your life!

Sensei Chris Feldt
Samurai Karate Studio
803-462-9425
samuraikarate@bellsouth.net