HOW SAFE IS OUR EMANCIPATED SOCIETY REALLY FOR WOMEN?
Did you know that almost half of women say they sometimes feel unsafe? Largely, this feeling takes place in their own neighbourhood, or in the city centre. This is reflected in the statistics of Statline (2017). But where does this feeling come from?
Violence against women
Although women are generally less likely to be involved in violent crime, women are at least twice as likely to be victims of sexual offences. Women are also more likely to be victims of domestic violence. CBS reports this in the Emancipation Monitor 2018. According to this report, about 60% of the perpetrators are acquaintances, most of whom are local residents.
Teasing girls, asking for kisses
According to the European Institute for Gender Equality gender roles still play a major role in violence and harassment against women in 2019. For generations, we have used the same gender stereotypes worldwide, which can be very damaging. Regularly, women do not dare to clearly state their boundaries for fear of confrontation, or think they do not stand a chance against an aggressive person.
Centre for Sexual Violence reports that one in 8 women has been raped at some point in their lives. Between the ages of 12 and 24, the risk of rape is at least 4 times higher. Rape can have very unpleasant consequences for the victim. For example, 7% become pregnant, and 45% of victims suffer post-traumatic stress disorder. Without appropriate intervention after sexual violence, 2/3e of victims experience sexual violence again.
In 2018, there were 2.4 thousand rapes and assaults reported. That is an average of 6 reports per day. Looking at all sexual offences reported (indecency, fornication with minor, fornication with abuse of authority, pornography and others), we arrive at about 24 reports per day.
A positive outlook
Between 2007 and 2017, there was a significant drop been in number of violent crimes against women. Assaults and threats in particular have become less frequent. Sexual violence in recent years slightly increased. Fortunately, there has been a rise in organisations working for gender equality, which includes combating violence against women. For example, Rutgers Knowledge Centre Sexuality is committed to sexual health and they have no fewer than 6 campaigns who are committed to sexual safety.
What can you do?
The most important thing is to respect each other at all times and show understanding for other people's situation. Sometimes people do not dare to express their boundaries. The campaign “Are you OK?” gives you tips on how to act when you suspect someone around you is being harassed and do not dare to intervene yourself. If we look out for each other, we can avoid many unpleasant situations.
When you find yourself in an awkward situation, it is important to trust your instincts and know that you are not adjusting. Your limits are your limits, and should be respected at all times. If this does not happen, it is important to know that everyone have the strength to get themselves out of an unpleasant situation as quickly as possible, even if you don't believe it yourself. There are many self-defence techniques that can be taught that require little strength.
Learn to defend yourself with the Women Only Krav Maga course
A course for women, by women. Taus Gym offers a 9-week course in which women can learn effective self-defence techniques. These techniques are based on realistic, threatening situations women may face. All techniques are based on your instinct and have one goal; To get away safely as quickly as possible. We also work on avoiding confrontation. Among other things, we do this by teaching women how to make their boundaries clear through voice and body language. These skills will eventually come in handy not only when you are being harassed, but also in everyday life. Did you know that many burn-outs can be prevented if you learn to know your own limits and dare to indicate them in time?
Are you a woman who wants to walk the streets prepared? Looking for a safe environment where you can work on your self-defence skills? Then register now for the Women Only Krav Maga course via this link. The 9-week course (Every Monday from 21 October to 16 December, between 19:15 - 20:30) will largely be taught by a female trainer. If you are still in doubt, you are welcome to attend the trial class at Monday 14 October, from 19:15 to 20:30. Register via this link.
By: Nomi van Dun
