FAQ
A: There is no such thing as “type” when talking about sexual assault. Race, religion, occupation, financial income, age, dress… rape happens everywhere, to all types of people, from 3 year old children to 83 year old grandmothers. And EVERYBODY thinks they live in a safe neighborhood.
A: This is the most common reason women give for not taking a rape prevention class. Actually, it’s the most common reason husbands/boyfriends/brothers/fathers give for not letting women go to a rape prevention class. It’s great to have a big strong brother looking after you, but there is no way in the world he can always be there every minute of your life. The same thing can be said about a dog or a gun. Just because you learn to protect yourself doesn’t mean you can’t still use those other things; it means you’re not entirely dependent on them. Learning how to protect yourself gives you an extra layer of protection, just in case those other things aren’t there or don’t work.
Q: How old do you recommend students be? A: Because we do discuss rape (though not graphically, by any means) the answer is “dating age.” If a girl is mature enough to go on a date, then she should be able to handle everything we do and talk about in class.
A: First, remember what you are fighting for. If you value your body or your life more then the attacker values taking it from you, that can be a tremendous advantage in your favor. Secondly, there are parts on a man that are vulnerable no matter how big and strong he is. In class you will learn where to hit, when to hit, and what to hit with. Lastly, the class is only partly about physical resistance. You will learn new ways to keep from getting to that point. Your best weapon is your mind.
A: Absolutely not. Rape is never the fault of the victim. The responsibility for the crime belongs entirely to the rapist.
A: For two very good reasons: We want all of the students to be comfortable while they are learning. Having an audience puts unneeded pressure on them. Most importantly, though, law enforcement has found that many sexual predators study their victims by watching rape prevention tapes, books, and classes. The stuff we teach is very effective, but also very simple. We don’t want to give predators any advantage at all, and though you may know your husband is not a rapist, no one else in the class can know for sure. For these reasons, class is limited to students, instructors, and no one else.
A: We wish there was a way to promise women they would never be attacked, but that is just not possible. Anyone in the world can lose a fight on any given day. What we aim for is to put the odds in your favor and make you safer leaving the class then you were coming in. Please be sceptical of anyone who promises you their classes will make you in some way invulnerable.
Q: I already do martial arts. Will I get something out of a rape prevention class?
A: Yes. Martial arts are great, but most have a different focus then rape-prevention (example: sport, fitness, fun). Much of the class deals with non-traditional techniques that will compliment what you already know as well as strategies to avoid having to fight if possible.
A: All of the money goes back into the program (after paying rent). In special situations, we use it to scholarship sexual assault survivors who could not otherwise afford the class. When you write your check you can feel good not only because you are helping yourself, but because you are helping others, too. Click here to see a detailed breakdown.