Why is female self-defence more useful and important today than before? Contrary to what is often said about the rise in crime, the increasing number of assaults on women at an alarming rate, and that women are being attacked both in urban and rural areas, this is not the reality.
Violence:
Violence against women statistically and primarily does not occur in the streets or dark car parks, but within the intimate and family sphere. Three-quarters of violent acts against women in Scotland are committed by a family member, with one quarter by a partner.
Physical violence:
In terms of physical violence, in France, this affects 17% of adult women. The age group at the highest risk is between 35 and 44 years old. Again, contrary to what is often portrayed, half of those responsible for physical violence are partners or ex-partners.
Domestic violence:
Domestic violence in Scotland is the leading cause of death or harm to women’s health between the ages of 16 and 44. In Scotland, 61,934 (2022-2023) people per year are victims of domestic violence, the majority of whom are women. A woman is killed by her partner or ex-partner every two and a half days. Domestic violence develops through cycles, the frequency and intensity of which increase over time. Periods of worsening and violent outbursts alternate with times of respite, during which the partner downplays the events, justifies his behaviour, and swears not to repeat it. The more these cycles are repeated, the stronger the control over the victim becomes.
According to the research of Leonor E. Walker (American psychologist, 1988), the cycle of violence is organised into four phases:
- Tension: Establishment of a system of control.
- Assaults: Episodes of violence. The victim experiences powerlessness and despair.
- Denial: Minimisation of the violence. The aggressor shifts the responsibility for the violence onto his partner.
- Remission: A method used by the perpetrator to win back the victim. The aggressor promises to change.
Violence gradually takes hold in the relationship. Initially, it goes unnoticed, as the first manifestations are not violent and may be mistaken for signs of love (jealousy, etc.) from the violent partner. Violence often begins with psychological assaults, aimed at reducing the victim’s self-esteem and isolating them (insults). Physical, verbal, and sexual assaults then follow. If there is no response from the victim, the frequency and severity of the assaults increase over time, which can lead to the victim’s suicide or homicide by the aggressor.
