“One billion women in the world have been raped or are victims of violence.” Statistically, that means one in three women unfortunately have been affected by this.
In Morocco, until recently, a man convicted of rape could escape prosecution if he married his victim. As a result, many girls have been forced into marrying their rapists.
“I’ve had conversations with men in first-world countries who think that it’s their God-given right to have sex [when] they want with their girlfriend or wife, whether they want it or not and [the men] don’t see that as rape,” said Richard Dimitri, a martial arts instructor who will teach a free introductory self-defence class for women on Thursday, Feb. 14.
He’s taught seminars all around the world, including a year-long stint in Cairo, Egypt.
In places like Cairo, the rate is literally “one in one,” he said, meaning that most women have been touched inappropriately.
“We’re in 2013 and we’re still such primitive beings when it comes to [sexual assault and rape].”
The hour-long class on Feb. 14 isn’t enough time to thoroughly cover all aspects of self-defence, but Dimitri will address as much theory as he can and include a few hands-on demonstrations. The primary goal is how to deal with and manage one’s own fear.
“What we’re offering is an introductory course touching upon confrontation, fear management and violence prevention.”
Class begins at 5 p.m. at the Activity Centre and is offered to women ages 12 and up. Dimitri instructs defence classes five days a week and will offer a week-long free trial to those interested. More information is available on the Facebook page, Martial Arts, Mind, Body and Spirit, or by phoning 780-852-4100.
“I fundamentally believe that if every woman took a holistic and proper self-defence course, and not just one that deals with physical techniques— but psychological, emotional and behavioural aspects of violence— then rape would be reduced because [attackers] would be more accountable.”
It’s also equally important that men become aware of this issue and be proactive in a solution. Educating the masses on this staggering issue of violence against women will help reduce the problem, he said.
The Adult Learning Centre also offers a more artistic approach to the One Billion Rising movement.
On Saturday, Feb. 9, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in room UTC-05, enjoy a light dinner and learn how to craft a dream catcher for $20.
The dream catcher is a symbol that demands a worldwide end for violence against women and the hope is that dream catcher creators will “incorporate their personal stories in them,” said Anna Urban, program co-ordinator at the Adult Learning Centre.
And of course, on Valentine’s Day, women and men across the globe will stand up and dance in protest for an end to violence against women.
“We would love to see women rise up in the community on Feb. 14,” said Marcoux-Frigon.
One Billion Rising can be celebrated on any scale, whether it’s making and displaying a dream catcher, learning self-defence techniques or taking a moment to stand up and dance as part of a global collective on Feb. 14.
