What is Self-Defense for Victim Advocates?
- Nicole Snell
- Jan 28
- 1 min read
What is empowerment-focused self-defense for Victim Advocates?
First of all, self-defense is about far more than physical skills. Self-defense is not about judging what someone did in the past, or telling someone what they "should have" done or what they "should do". Empowerment focused self-defense is about giving people options for the present and future. It reframes the conversation to "what can I do and what are my options" which restores a sense of autonomy, self-efficacy, confidence, and control.
When VAs and other providers are supporting and protecting survivors, it's vital to understand both your boundaries and theirs to maintain trauma informed care.
Empowerment-Based Self-Defense training can help advocates gain actionable verbal and physical skills that help you maintain safety both on and off the job, develop resilience, and continue your mission with greater confidence and clarity. It simultaneously provides survivors with life-saving skills they can use in their own lives and on their healing journeys.
Self-defense training can assist with burnout prevention, increasing confidence, enhancing communication capabilities, and increasing protective factors that reduce violence.
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