Make a Difference: Say Something

Interpersonal violence--like domestic violence, sexual assault, or street harassment of someone because of their identity--is scary for the person experiencing it and those witnessing it. Saying something to interrupt, intervene, or stop interpersonal violence can contribute to an individual's safety and create a safer community.

Knowing that it is challenging to know what to do when witnessing interpersonal violence and to know how to keep oneself safe as well, Empowerment Self-Defense Instructor Lynne Marie Wanamaker and Safe Passage of Northampton MA have put together the Say Something Superhero Field Guide: A Manual for Eliminating Interpersonal Violence.

The Say Something Superhero Field Guide includes:

• Information about what safe communities look like, what violence is, and what trauma is
• Developing skills like intuition, preparation, judgment, assertiveness, and dealing with awkward situations
• Ways to be an effective bystander, such as, self-awareness, community, resilience,awareness of trauma, self-care.

Living Out Loud: Actress Viola Davis Speaks Out About Sexual Assault

At the annual brunch of the Rape Foundation, honoree and actress Viola Davis shared personal stories about sexual assault and its devastating effect on her own life and those of women in her life.

Kristina Rodulfo in "Viola Davis Gives Devastating Speech on Sexual Assault" reports that Davis who is an advocate for the Rape Foundation urged the attendees to support the Rape Treatment Center, listen to the stories of survivors, and to "live out loud." Davis says living out loud is "living a life that's bigger than yourself." 

Let's Build a Non-Violent World

The past few months have shown us that there is much work left to be done. Many people have stood up for the rights of immigrants, LGBTQ, minorities, and women. Others have been emboldened to terrorize, intimidate, and  harass. IMPACT is based on the idea that we do not have to choose between our personal safety and our freedom nor do our safety and freedom come at the expense of others. The IMPACT Chicago mission is to end violence and build a non-violent world in which all people can live safely and with dignity. Our goal is to teach self-defense so that women and girls will have the tools to prevent, minimize, and stop violence.  Everyone has the right to be safe, to protect themselves, and to live their life free from intimidation, persecution, exploitation, and assault.

To contribute to creating a safer world, IMPACT Chicago:

• has added two Core Programs to the 2017 schedule 
• will offer both Advanced programs in 2017
• is training a new lead instructor
• is taking applications for new suited instructors
• will continue our sliding scale so anyone regardless of income can take a program
• is exploring ways to bring more tools to more people

We can use your help: 

Donate to our annual fall fundraiser

Encourage someone to take one of our programs

Volunteer

Stopping Street Harassment

A man grabbed and picked up supermodel Gig Hadid outside a Milan fashion show and she struck him in the face with her elbow. Initial reaction from reporters was critical, implying that a supermodel should put up with harassment and sexual assault.

In "Gigi Hadid Will Not Accept Street Harassment, and Neither Should You,," Lena Dunham reports that Hadid said:"Honestly, I felt I was in danger, and I had  every right to react the way I did." 

For more on street harassment:

National Street Harassment Hotline

Free, 24/7 support and information in English and Spanish. Toll-free: 855-897-5910.

Stop Street Harassment

Offers on-line resources, direct services, safe public spaces mentoring program, documents street harassment in the U.S., and lots of resources for addressing street harassment.