Julie Harmon IMPACT Safety Columbus Ohio |
1. Sexual violence as well as other types of
violence, like harassment, stalking, and threats are social problems.
This means that
specific responses to these situations are considered based on context and
individual choice – there is no one size fits all; no one right answer. For
example, at a party, a response to an unwanted hug from someone you know, may
elicit a different response, than a hug from a stranger at that same party. Or,
if someone is bothering you and will not be dissuaded – the choice of responses
could be an assertive verbal strategy, a very loud – attract attention verbal
response, (depending on where this is happening: dorm room, street, store,
walking path) or entering a safer place.
2. The aggressor is the one responsible for any and all acts of violence
The aggressor is responsible for harassment, verbal threats, to unwanted touch – every single act on the
continuum of violence. Victim blaming or excuse giving has no place in ESD.
3. ESD is well researched and informed
80% of all assaults on women are perpetrated by someone
familiar. Most often that is a friend, a
friend of a friend, a co -worker, boss – someone we would generally not expect to
cross our boundaries. Programming is based on research and data, about who are
the likely perpetrators, how these assaults begin and progress, and what strategies
have been proven to be effective in addressing these situations.
4. ESD is trauma-informed
What that means is that programs are implemented
through a trauma lens, which includes not only individual incidents of trauma,
but also systems of oppression and the intersection of race, gender, and class.
The impact of trauma and oppression are understood and considered as curriculum
is implemented. Individuals are not singled out or isolated, rather the
curriculum as a whole is developed based on this principle.
5. ESD programs explicitly utilize a peer
support methodology
Participants experience with others concerns
about "being alone in their fears” or "being the
only one" or "worried about doing it right." Peer support methodology is
intentional. It is not an accident that ESD program participant experience
support for trying new things, for having a voice, for making difficult
choices, for taking charge of their life, or for facing their fears. The
support is felt – energetically and in new relationships that often become part
of participants’ lives.
These five principles are foundational to ESD programs – they
guide curricula decisions, instructor training, and programming options. The
ability for participants to experience connection, belonging, safety and
dignity is possible because of the adherence to these principles. ESD is based
on more than outcomes – the processes and the intersection of many disciplines and areas, combine to make ESD programs as
relevant, customizable, fun and empowering as they are.
Julie Harmon
Member, ESD Global and IMPACT International
Member, ESD Global and IMPACT International
Director and Instructor of IMPACT Safety, Life Care Alliance
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
From Julie's presentation for an ESD Global webinar organized by IMPACT Chicago Instructor Martha Thompson: "Three Reasons for Feminists to Advocate for Empowerment Self-Defense." Julie addressed Reason #1: ESD Works to Stop Sexual Violence. Thank you to producer Yudit Sidikman. Look for an ESD-related blog the last Monday of each month.
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