Sexual Assault Advocate Training Manual - Texas Association ...

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S E X U A L A S S A U L T A D V O C A T E T R A I N I N G M A N U A L things that women do in their daily lives develop strength. It is a mistake to assume that every woman is weaker than every man. Women have one inherent physical advantage over men, for their bodies are constructed differently. Female bodies have a lower center of gravity; therefore, women have better balance. In a struggle between a man and a woman, it is the man who is more likely to lose his balance. If you are in immediate danger of being raped, you will naturally have an intense emotional reaction. Probably you will be feeling strong fear. (If it is anger instead, that is great!) This intense emotional reaction causes physiological changes in your body which give you temporary super strength. If you know it is there, you can use it. Most women have heard the story about the mother who, when a car rolled over her small child, simply lifted up the car. That really does happen, and that is the kind of thing meant when it is said that you will have a temporary super strength due to intense emotion. So if you are facing a rapist you will be scared (or angry). But rather than being paralyzed with panic, you will be exceptionally powerful. This adrenaline power is probably one of the most important factors in enabling three-fourths of women confronting rapists to get out of the situation without getting raped or seriously hurt physically. Another factor which is sometimes in your favor is the element of surprise. It is on his side in the beginning, for you were not expecting to be attacked. But he may not be expecting you to resist strongly and may be caught off guard by immediate resistance. These are your natural weapons against attackers: cYour intuition. cYour physical strength. cYour better balance. cYour intelligence. cYour determination to avoid, or at least minimize, the emotional trauma of rape. He is vulnerable. These are his weak points: bHis insecurity, his weak ego. bHis lack of commitment to pursuing you as a victim (unless he is a revenge rapist). bHis vulnerable physical characteristics: primarily knees and feet, throat eyes, and fingers. 240
S E X U A L A S S A U L T A D V O C A T E T R A I N I N G M A N U A L While martial arts training can increase a woman’s chances of avoiding rape, and women should be encouraged to take such training, it is important to distinguish between martial arts and self-defense. Martial arts training is helpful primarily because it increases the woman’s self-confidence and general physical condition. The specific techniques of martial arts are of lesser value. Martial arts training can increase your natural strength, quicken your responses and build up your own confidence in your abilities. But also remember that martial arts techniques practiced in formal training proceed according to rules that do not apply in a real rape situation. You may, or may not, be able to use any of the techniques of the classroom in real life. If a good self-defense course is available to you, which concentrates on techniques which are appropriate to countering a real attack, that is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Here are just a few tips on self defense techniques that you can think about as possibilities for you to use: • If he is holding onto you tightly, especially if he has his hands on your throat, you can grab his smaller fingers and bend them back, until they break, if necessary. • Generally his groin area, which many people think of as a primary target, is not a good target for you to aim at. It is too low for your arms and too high for your legs to attack with much strength, and it is also the first place he protects, but while he is busy protecting it, you can go for a more accessible target. • Knees are exceptionally vulnerable, a swift kick to the knee can be very effective. • A jab to his throat or eyes can also be effective. • Do not forget your teeth and jaw as a powerful weapon. • If he is holding your arms, to break his hold pull in the direction of his thumb, that is the weakest part of his grip, where his thumb and fingers come together. Self-defense experts stress the value of mental practice. They say that to practice self-defense mentally can be almost effective as physical practice. It is suggested that women use their daily lives for practice situations. There are many opportunities to mentally prepare for an attack. Even imagined instances can be used to determine a means of escape. 241
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