NCJ Number
230254
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2010 Pages: 459-478
Date Published
April 2010
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study of women enrolled in university self-defense classes provided more systematic information about why women decide to enroll in self-defense classes.
Abstract
Given the positive benefits of self-defense training for women, it is important to understand how women come to enroll in self-defense classes. Using data from a longitudinal study of university women, this study explored the reasons women give for taking a self-defense class. It found that friends' recommendations, visions of the "possible selves" they could become, and fear of violence were the most frequently reported reasons; having experienced a past assault was rarely cited as a reason for enrolling. In addition, many women who had never enrolled in a self-defense class reported having considered doing so. The study explored barriers to learning self-defense and find that logistical issues such as time, money, and availability of classes were the most frequently reported reasons for not enrolling. Tables and references (Published Abstract)