Edenvale women learn self-defence skills

The Edenvale Community Police Forum (CPF) successfully launched its first Ladies Self-Defence Workshop.

The Edenvale CPF hosted the workshop on October 3 in partnership with War Dog Combat and TPGN Fitness in Eastleigh.

Edenvale CPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell said that women being attacked and killed didn’t start happening in the last few weeks; it has been happening every day, with about 12 to 15 women killed per day. She said that is the reality that the Kempton Park cases brought to the fore.

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The chair noted that women get attacked through gender-based violence (GBV), or when they’re out running, and also that women and men are targeted.

Edenvale CPF’s GBV coordinator, Fiona Pickett, said they work closely with TEARS Foundation, a 24-hour support service that anyone can call.

The foundation offers confidential crisis intervention, advocacy, and counselling for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across South Africa.

Pickett shared that, of late, 33% of phone calls to TEARS Foundation are from men.

Young boys are also calling in for help for their mom, sister, or someone they know.

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Gender-based is not only the physical side, but it’s also emotional, financial and mental, warned Picket, who added that it is difficult to prove the emotional and mental side of it.

“Ladies, I do not like the word victim. You are not a victim; you are a kick-ass warrior woman. Every single lady, whatever you’re going through, not only in relation to GBV, tell yourself you’re a kick-ass warrior woman, and you’re not going to tolerate what happens,” encouraged Pickett.

She said they are also speaking to learners at schools now, especially the young ones, because they witness a lot of incidents.

Tyrone Boreham of War Dog Combat explained that the training workshop aimed to teach practical skills, build awareness, boost confidence, and better protect yourself and those around you. Boreham spoke about situational awareness in self-defence.

“This is not about being paranoid, constantly looking out for danger, but rather about being present, paying attention and recognising potential risks and trusting your instincts when something is not right. So know your surroundings and be present wherever you are,” he explained.

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He also advised that if you feel something is wrong, you should be loud, cause a scene, and not be shy.

“When all else fails, then you engage in self-defence. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all; every person is different. Every situation is different. There are lots of different scenarios that can play out.”

Boreham added that when the actual incident happens, your body can experience an adrenaline rush, your heart rate increases, your motor skills deteriorate, and thinking can become so difficult.

“Any techniques that you have been taught here now can go out the window. So that’s why you need to train, practise repeatedly until this becomes muscle memory,” said Boreham.

Participants received a small pack with Contact the Edenvale CPF at info@edenvalecpf.co.za