Rob Babcock: I want to right the wrong

At the start of every class I enter, and often times when I talk about teaching women’s self-defense, I am asked, “Why do you do it?”  Sometimes the question is asked with genuine sincerity; often with curiosity; and occasionally with a smug, dismissive attitude that says ‘you’re just a fear-monger; women don’t really need that…”

Regardless of who asks or when in class I give the answer, it is often some version of this story…early on in life, I realized I was left of center in most political, social, and philosophical discussions.  And when it came to women’s issues, I kind of thought I got it.  I would hold the door open, put the toilet seat down, and send my mother flowers on Mother’s Day (never late either!).

But when I was in graduate school, a friend suggested I read Naomi Wolf’s The Beauty Myth.  After reading this book, I had what can best be described as ‘a moment of clarity’ in my life.  I thought it was good enough for me to just not be a part of the problem of victimizing women.  It wasn’t.  I had to be a part of the solution.

I moved to Chicago shortly after that.  I worked on a college campus, and became the faculty/staff advisor for the feminist student group.  From that, I did some volunteer work for Rape Victim Advocates.  RVA is a group that trains women to be sexual assault responders to certain Chicago area hospitals – they send a 56-hour trained advocate to the emergency room to be with a rape survivor, and advocate for her/his needs.  One of the things I identified with most with RVA was they were on the ‘front lines’ so to speak of the anti-rape movement.

Being male, that was not an option.  So I did some outreach and education for them, going to several schools to educate on rape and rape issues.  I then got connected to IMPACT Chicago.  It was a perfect opportunity for me to blend my interest in the physical arts (I was a martial artist at the time) in my interest of reducing the number of rapes perpetrated.

Since joining IMPACT, I have had my reasons both reinforced and expanded…After I started working with IMPACT, I once had a co-worker who, at the end of a long day, was bemoaning the fact that she had to drive to far off mall to buy a certain gift for a bridal shower.  She was tired, and really not looking forward to the drive, but it had to be done that night since the party was in a day or two.  After finding out what store she had to go to, I suggested she go to the mall that was significantly closer to her work and home – only about 15 minutes away from either.  She appreciated the suggestion, but said she didn’t want to go there at night because she didn’t feel comfortable there.

I thought to myself how horrible this is…my co-worker has to significantly inconvenience herself because she doesn’t feel safe.  As a man, I very seldom have to make decisions about my safety when I decide to go places, but for her it was a regular, almost daily, occurrence.  This is terribly unfair – and I want to do what I can to right this wrong.  For far too long women have traded freedom for safety –it’s time for that to end.

So I do IMPACT for many reasons – and it continues to give me more than I give it.   

Thanks for reading my story.

More Than “Muggers”

By Bree S.

After leaving class yesterday and really processing the course, I felt the need to share my sincerest gratitude again. Counting my blessings is very important to me, and IMPACT is now on that list.  My experience the past few days truly exceeded all expectations I had in what a self-defense course was like. I often heard that although self-defense skills can be helpful, they can also give you a false sense of security. I believe anyone who goes through an IMPACT Core training would never think this. I now have the ability to protect and defend myself against any man, no matter how much taller and bigger he is than me.. My last fight in graduation made me realize this. Ready for the mugger crossing me from the front, I was completely caught off guard by the mugger who came from behind. Being able to take him down after being so surprised, as it would be in real life, I believe I can truly be in the moment for whatever situation arises, although I hope I never have to. So thank you both for challenging me and making me rise to the occasion.

You have given me the gift of power, knowledge and peace of mind, a gift I will never be able to re-pay you for. I have to commend you both for how well you play your role in the class. I was so impressed! Being able to play all three roles from the leader (someone I trusted, whom I wanted to open up to because I could feel how much you believe in your purpose to make the world a more peaceful place, not only for the women in your life, but for all women), to the role of the instructor (making sure each of us individually understood every move, when to use it and insure execution with utmost power), to the role of the mugger (challenging me to dig deeper than I thought I could, to experience that moment of fear and use it as fuel to set myself free) was just awesome. Each of these roles is something most men could never take on, let alone all three. The heart and passion of IMPACT Chicago suited instructors is truly moving. Knowing there are such great guys like them out there fighting the good fight is a comforting feeling.

You have made me a stronger, more vocal person and I won't think twice about asking for the respect I deserve from now on. IMPACT is such a necessary and empowering program, I truly believe it should be a life skills course required by young women in high school. Maybe one day this can be a reality. Thank you so much again and know that you are making a real difference in the lives of women, but also the world. 

Male instructors pictured from left to right backrow: Ben, Rob, Tjuan, Nat, Mark

Also pictured: Margaret, Workshop Instructor Naomi, and Martha

These are Life Skills

By Bree S.

 

Although my motivation in taking this class came from the opportunity to work with The Girls Fight Back organization, it is something I've always wanted to do. Saturday morning I realized that whether or not this course results in my partnership with GFB or not, I was absolutely meant to take this class. I now know it is a necessity for me to be the best "me" I can be. I never in a million years would've expected it to be so intense, informational, useful and empowering. I truly feel like I've reached a milestone in my life without intending to do so. 

I left class today full of energy and excitement to spread the word to my friends and family about this amazing organization and how I've found my new "team." In fact, the first conversation I had proceeding class was with my mother; I told her if I have anything to do with it, her and my sister will be in the next IMPACT CORE Program class.   I truly feel these are life skills that should be required by every female. I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to take this class. The emotional and physical journey I took this weekend is indescribable and something I will always be grateful for. It was so inspiring to see my sisters gain strength and confidence they probably never knew they had, and to find a voice I've often struggled to express in day to day situations, let alone feeling completely confident knowing I have the skills that can save my life if I ever have to use them.

What It Takes To Stop An Assault (and how the media misrepresents that)

Alena Schaim

Executive Director & Instructor

IMPACT Personal Safety New Mexico

It takes less than you might imagine to stop an assault. Stopping an assault is not about “winning” or being stronger than the assailant. Research shows that the majority of assailants are looking for someone who won’t stand up for themselves or someone easily provoked*. Assailants are looking for someone who is easy to dominate and manipulate. It takes very little to demonstrate that I will stand up for myself and that I won’t buy into his manipulations.

This is why simple defense techniques work. By setting a boundary verbally or yelling, most assailants go away. 98% of our graduates report they have used their awareness and/or verbal skills to keep themselves safe. 2% report using a physical skill to stop an assault – and it was usually one or two strikes. Defending ourselves and staying safe has nothing to do with physical size, strength, or fitness. Effective defense requires that we believe we have a right to protect ourselves, the adrenaline management to act in the face of fear, and some knowledge of effective verbal and physical techniques.

National statistics reflect this trend. A study on effective resistance shows that 3 out of 4 attempted rapes are prevented (“Real Knockouts: The Physical Feminism of Women's Self-Defense”, Martha McCaughey.) Who knew?! What a great statistic! Most rapes are prevented! But in that same study, they found that 13 completed rapes are reported for every 1 prevented rape by news media. And then, when prevented rapes were reported, the headline generally still read “rape”, not “prevented rape.” That gives us the impression that rapes – and assaults in general – can’t be prevented when that is not true at all!

Every Woman Has a Right to Feel Safe Within Her Own Body

Katie Skibbe, IMPACT Chicago Board member and Instructor-in-Training, was introduced to IMPACT in 2007, when she took the Core program.  “I came to IMPACT,” she says, “because I was tired of being scared and feeling that I had no way to protect myself against an attack.”  Inspired by what she learned in the Core course and by the deep connections she formed with other students, Katie began volunteering for the organization.  In June of 2010, she joined the Board of Directors and was immediately elected Treasurer and appointed to the Board’s Executive Committee.  

Also in 2010, Katie was selected, following an intensive interview process, as one of two new Instructors-in-Training for IMPACT Chicago.  She is excited about the opportunity to expand IMPACT’s instructor corps and eager to guide students through the Core program.  “Every woman has a right to feel safe within her own body; and I look forward to helping women and girls learn to use their physical and spiritual power to defend themselves successfully.” 

 When she’s not volunteering for IMPACT Chicago, Katie works as the Assistant Finance Director for a local municipality.  She is also the Treasurer of the District 207 Education Foundation and a volunteer at the Des Plaines Historical Society.  She and her husband have just welcomed their first child into the world, and they are discovering that “time” and “sleep” are both precious commodities!

“I love being involved in IMPACT,” Katie says.  “The classes create such community; it’s amazing to see women who were strangers the day before offering support to each other and laughing together.  Lifetime friendships are forged in a weekend.  I come away from every IMPACT event feeling refreshed, invigorated, and hopeful.”

 Katie was interviewed by Amy Voege, IMPACT Chicago Board member

I Stopped a Thief

Joselyn Galvez, Northeastern Illinois University IMPACT Core Skills Grad

I used the Core skills today when a thief was about to steal my bike...and I want to share my story.

I work as an office assistant. I parked my bike on a pole that is almost in front of our window. I used a cable to secure my bike and wheel to the pole, assuming that nobody would try to steal it during
the daytime in a visible place in front of several business stores.

One of my friends always parks his bike on the same pole and nothing has ever happened. Then, I saw somebody messing around with my bike and I leaned back to check if it was my friend parking his bike next to mine. It wasn't!

It was another man moving fast untangling my cable. I ran out of the office yelling "What are you doing?"and "That's my bike!". My voice was loud and I was determined to prevent him from taking my bike. I put my hand on the seat of my bike and held it. I stood my ground and snatched the broken cable out of his hand. My female co-worker followed me. I kept yelling at him. He had a very confused look on his face. He didn't see us coming and wasn't expecting anybody to confront him. He was so fast that he didn't have the tool he used to cut my cable in his hand anymore.

He turned around calmly and walked a few steps, crossed the street and continued walking as if nothing had happened. My co-worker took my bike inside the office. I grabbed the office phone and called 911. I gave them a description of him. I asked the operator if she was going to call back and she said she didn't know.

I was shaky for a while. I can say that he was about 5 seconds away from stealing my bike. I'm proud of myself for being able to use the skills I learned in class. I didn't do anything to escalate the
situation, either.

There were other guys on the block and nobody helped. I was able to handle the situation effectively, even though I wasn't really thinking at that time. It was more based on my instincts.

I went to the police station to file a police report. Since the thief didn't harm me or officially steal my bike, I wasn't able to file a police report; I was only able to give more details on his appearance.

They never called me back, so I'm assuming he got away with attempted robbery.

Thank you so much for providing this class. I never thought I could intimidate a professional thief. He was taller and heavier than me. I'm sure it wasn't the first bike he was trying to steal.

I will change my route often to get to work and keep my bike inside the office. The police told me to call 911 right away, if I ever happen to see him. My only concern is that he knows who I am and knows where I work and knows my bike. I will be more careful from now on.

Safety Awareness Month