Empowerment self-defence (ESD) could be the new strategy to combat violence against women in Australia, teaching psychological and physical defence skills.
ESD is a specialised form of self-defence training but there are very few providers within Australia.
Program director and lead instructor of Power2SelfProtect, Dr Sally Lai said there was an absence of ESD workshops in Australia.
“ESD is largely unknown in Australia, it has been around for decades in North American and New Zealand,” Dr Lai said.
Dr Lai said it was vital in stop violence against women.
“It aims to contribute to broader efforts to reduce gendered violence in Australia and improve the well-being (and safety outcomes) of individuals and communities,” Dr Lai said.
Following the rise of gendered violence, women have been turning to martial arts to gain self-defence skills.
Barista Bailey Moore has recently taken up Muay Thai to improve her self-defence skills but believes she’ would benefit from participating in ESD workshops.
“Muay Thai was scary at first, because there weren’t many girls in the class,” she said.
“I hadn’t heard of ESD before, but it sounds like something I’d want to participate in.”
Knowing self-defence skills has given Ms Moore a new confidence in life.
“It’s good for fitness and good to know you have the skill to defend yourself when you need to,” Ms Moore said.
Whilst martial arts skills are effective, many women are hesitant to participate due to the perception of that it is as male dominant sport.
ESD is typically female only and focuses on increasing confidence and sense of agency.
Dr Lai wishes to see ESD become more popular in the future.
“I definitely believe empowerment self-defence workshops/programs should be more accessible to women as a prevention and intervention program,” she said.
“Being able to protect ourselves (as women) empowers us – it helps us realise that, as women, we are much stronger, smarter, and more resilient than we might be led to believe.”
With more recognition, hopefully there is a bright future for ESD classes.
For more information on ESD : https://selfdefense.uoregon.edu/research-on-self-defense/
Or watch the below YouTube video on Why in the World is There Resistance to Empowerment Self Defense Training
