"Left, right, left, right, ..." still echoes in my ears when I think back to the seminar a few days ago. Not one where you just sit passively in front of the computer and boredly take part in an hour-long Zoom meeting. No, there was action here. With surprise tactics, release holds and tips for attacking pain-sensitive areas of the body. You guessed it right: I was at a self-defense seminar.
Even though I would never have thought that something like this would be necessary, the current figures speak for themselves. One in three women is affected by physical and/or sexual violence, and one in four has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. As of December 10, 2024, there were 27 homicides of women and 41 cases of serious violence. Every woman should take action in light of these alarming figures.
What stops women from taking a course?
Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Many women have scruples about fighting back. For fear that the assault could become even more brutal or simply because they don't want to hit anyone. Some course participants had moral concerns about this, but also legal ones. "How far can I defend myself so that I'm not accused myself?" was a question asked during the two-day course. There is still a lot of educational work to be done.
The instructor emphasized right at the beginning that this was only a taster course. It takes weeks, if not months, for the movements to become second nature and automatic in an emergency. There is no time to think in the event of an attack. A harmless "put your arm around the shoulder" of a supposedly drunk person can quickly turn into a chokehold. Then you have to get out of the situation quickly before you lose your breath and panic sets in.
Basic knowledge
We have therefore focused on the basics when we trained on the 14th floor of the Wissensturm in Linz. Nine women of different ages and fitness levels. You don't have to be as fit as a fiddle to stand up to attackers. "Never let the attacker touch your neck," explains Kornelia Eibl, trainer at the Fit & Fight Center Linz. First fend off the attack, then create confusion with a few alternating short punches to the head and throw the opponent off balance with a powerful "push". If necessary, a kick to the shin and then quickly away. Get out of the dangerous situation.
To be honest, it sounds much easier than it is. It takes a lot of practice, but it is very effective when you get the hang of it. Even against 1.90 meter tall men. You just have to stand on your hind legs and set boundaries. And then defend them. Unfortunately, that's also a problem. Because many women find excuses for their violent partner. "He was drunk." "He was having a bad day" "He promised it would never happen again" - Yes, it will happen again! There is no situation that justifies violence. Many women need to get that into their heads.
I can only recommend anyone to take a self-defense course. You learn a lot, it increases your self-confidence and you have contact with many like-minded people. There is a statement in the advertising that I would like to quote here: "Because I am worth it". Everyone should be worth standing up for themselves and not letting themselves be pushed around.
Various points of contact in the event of violence:
Women - Helpline:
References:
https://www.aoef.at/index.php/zahlen-und-daten
Course from the Linz Women's Office (December 6/7, 2024)
Kornelia Eibl, trainer at the Fit & Fight Center Linz
Video and photo credits: Fit & Fight Studios in Linz
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