Tag Archives: Avoidance

Saying Goodbye to “Stranger Danger”

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Alena Schaim

We pride ourselves at IMPACT for basing our programs on solid research and responding to dangers in the community. Occasionally the research or the danger changes, which means our program changes. A Washington Post article from 2010 summarized data from … Continue reading →

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Why We Set Boundaries

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Alena Schaim

People sometimes tell me that they hate conflict, and so setting boundaries is difficult for them. In reality, learning to set boundaries is perfect for the person who wants to avoid conflict because it prevents conflict from arising or becoming … Continue reading →

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Feeling Safe & Being Safe

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Alena Schaim

Personal safety and self-defense classes should make a person actually safer, feel safer, and feel less fearful. Fear can make a person more closed off from the world- loathe to trust others, averse to talking with strangers, and hesitant to … Continue reading →

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

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Alena Schaim

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 … Continue reading →

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Self-Sufficiency

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Alena Schaim

The advice I got growing up about safety was to stay in groups and if anything happens, go to the nearest store for help. This spring has brought out the hiker in me – and that hiker is at odds … Continue reading →

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Letting Go of Anger

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Alena Schaim

Just as we don’t want to live in fear, looking over our shoulder constantly, most of us don’t want to live a life of anger. For years, I hung onto my anger as if it could protect me. I felt … Continue reading →

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“Forward These Safety Tips!”

Posted on January 2, 2011 by Alena Schaim

“Forward this email to every woman you know!…” As a woman and as someone who teaches violence prevention and self-defense, I get a lot of emails about staying safe.  The sentiment of wanting to keep people you love safe is … Continue reading →

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Powerful Words: Verbal Strategies for Prevention

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Alena Schaim

I recently gained perspective on the importance of verbal skills while traveling internationally in areas where I did not speak the language. I am used to answering my own, infrequent “what would I do if…?” questions.  My response is typically … Continue reading →

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