VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Violent crimes committed against women are different from those committed
against men. Each year, over 5 million women become the victims of violent
crime. The majority of these victimizations occur in their own home, or in the
home of a friend, neighbor or relative. A man’s risk of becoming victims of violent
crimes in such environments is much lower. These facts tell a great deal about
the relationship between victims and their attackers; the majority of women are
victimized by someone they know, whereas the majority of men are victimized by
strangers.
The following figures are according to the United States Department of Justice:
72 percent of all sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the female
victim; 42 percent were committed by someone they knew well (friend, boyfriend,
husband, lover, relative, etc.); 65 percent of all attempted or actual sexual
assaults resulted in injury to the woman. While it may seem like a good idea to
have a big and strong man around to protect you, what happens if they start to
attack you? The results can be disastrous.
It is a sad and distressing fact that most women who are attacked know their
attacker. However, from the view of self-protection, this familiarity can provide
valuable information in preventing or neutralizing a physical attack. Learning
efficient methods of prevention as well as effective physical defense skills can
be extremely valuable, and are strongly recommended. It is our responsibility to
protect ourselves, and it is well within our grasp to learn to do so effectively.