In a world that often feels increasingly unsafe, especially for teenagers and young adults, we all need to take our personal safety into our own hands. A recent BBC article surveyed 2,000 teenagers aged 13-18 and found that a startling 27% of girls have experienced sexual harassment in some form, while 44% stated they do not feel safe walking alone on the streets. While these statistics are grim, they are a wake-up call for taking action—action that should begin with learning basic self-defence skills.
The Illusion of Safety: “It Won’t Happen to Me”
One of the most significant roadblocks to learning self-defence is the illusion of invulnerability. We often think, “It won’t happen to me,” or “I live in a safe area.” Yet, according to a report by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), over 1.1 million people in the UK faced some form of sexual assault last year. It’s easy to relegate these numbers to headlines and distant stories, but the reality is, danger does not discriminate.
The “House Insurance” Mindset
The cost of inaction: More than just physical harm
Being unprepared is a gamble you don’t want to lose. Victims of violence often carry not only the physical scars but also long-term emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The ripple effect of an attack can be as devastating emotionally as it is physically. According to reports, as many as 30% suffer PTSD after experiencing crime.
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