Tag Archives: Statistics

Sparring & Sports vs. Self-Defense

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Alena Schaim

Many sports, at their root, undoubtedly were created to develop and practice physical skills that can also be used in real-life situations. The interesting piece is when we forget how to separate the game aspect of sports from the physical … Continue reading →

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The Effects of Fear & Violence: Mourning Trayvon

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Alena Schaim

Trayvon Martin’s death, as well as the lack of charges brought against his killer, was horrific for many, but was not surprising. Women often tell me of their rape aversion plans. They usually include: carrying their keys between their fingers, … Continue reading →

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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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Without the Myth of Random Violence

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Alena Schaim

Violence is seldom random.  Like all behaviors, violent behavior follows patterns that can be observed.  Once understood, these patterns can be prepared for.  I highly recommend the book, The Gift of Fear, in which the author Gavin de Becker breaks … 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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Revealing Vulnerabilities

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Alena Schaim

“It was so great to have men in this class – here I am, a 68-year-old woman, thinking I’m the one who’s got stuff to be worried about, but they are struggling with this stuff too.”   – 4-Hour Workshop … 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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Violence in the Media

Posted on November 25, 2009 by Alena Schaim

Violence in the Media Creates Fear, Not Just Violence I love watching movies with my friends. I deeply dislike violence in the media. But, you know, the one perk to it is hearing my friends shout (at home on the … Continue reading →

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Walk with Confidence

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Alena Schaim

I’ve been thinking about a conversation I had with a new friend about her years working in rough neighborhoods of a large city.  She told me that she was especially sure to be aware, use eye contact and carry herself … Continue reading →

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