Did you know that this is called the “Red Zone” on college campuses?
Are you on campus? Stay safe this semester, especially during the Red Zone — the time from the start of school until Thanksgiving break, when half of all campus sexual assaults happen.
You’re never powerless. While people who hurt others are 100% responsible for their actions, you can also help keep yourself safer. You can…
- Practice saying “no” with friends, so it feels natural when you need to.
- Party smart by making — and sticking to — a safety plan with friends.
- Step in if something looks or feels wrong.
- Drink carefully. Think about limiting alcohol until you know your limits and who you can trust.
- Always practice consent.
Studies show that college students who take empowerment self-defense classes reduce their chances of sexual assault by half or more! You can invite us to your campus by reaching out to classes@defendyourself.org.
Take charge and increase your chances of staying safe this semester. If you know someone who’s at college, please share this newsletter with them!
Be sure to follow along with us on Instagram for more helpful tips!
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An 8th grade girl who took a Defend Yourself workshop was attacked on the school bus by two boys. She used yelling and hitting to stop the attack and then went to get help from the bus driver. She said she what we taught her flashed in her mind, so that’s what she did!
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Join us on Sept. 28 for our monthly Book Circle!
On the fourth Sunday of every month, we meet for one hour on Zoom to explore skills and ideas from “Get Empowered” in real time. This is your chance to dive deeper into the book’s teachings, share experiences, practice skills, and build a supportive community. It’s free and it’s drop in; no need to commit. You can RSVP or vote for our next topic now using the button to the right!
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Where We've Been
Lauren Taylor, our director (far left) went to Capitol Hill to support the Epstein-Maxwell survivors (and met Rep. Ayanna Pressley, who was there to listen to survivors).
About 20 survivors spoke at the rally — some speaking publicly and sharing their stories for the first time. More spoke at the news conference.
There was huge support from other survivors and members of Congress,
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including some who also have come out as survivors.
Think about contacting your representatives and ask them to support legislation demanding release of the Epstein files.
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Lauren and Defend Yourself trainer Samia Lalani (not pictured) went to the National Sexual Assault Conference in L.A. in August.
The empowerment self-defense folks at the conference included (L to R) Shanda Poitra of Turtle Mountain IMPACT in N.D., Meg Stone and Mal Malme of Boston IMPACT, James DeCoteau (Turtle Mountain IMPACT), Lauren Taylor, and Angie DeCoteau (Turtle Mountain IMPACT). |
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Samia co-presented a very well-attended workshop titled “Get Empowered: A collaborative self-defense approach for reducing violence against trans + nonbinary people” with Michael Munson of FORGE! |
You don’t have to wait to “Get Empowered.”
“Get Empowered” is filled with practical, ready-to-use tools to help you stay safe and hold your space wherever you go in life.
Whether you’re looking for ways to stand up for yourself, you’re a survivor focused on healing, or you’re committed to being an ally, this book will give you the tools you need to thrive.
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Want to feel safer and more confident?
Get Empowered with DefendYourself.org
We’re an empowerment self-defense organization teaching in DC and around the country. Learn to assert yourself, set boundaries, and protect yourself and your peace. Be You. Be Safe. DefendYourself.org
Know an organization, community space, or workplace that could benefit from these skills? Let us know! We love to partner with organizations to host helpful empowerment self-defense and bystander skills workshops for our communities.
— The Defend Yourself team
