Self-defense classes to survive sexual assault: "I needed tools to feel safer"

A group of women in Barcelona is taking self-defense classes to learn how to survive and escape sexual assaults.

The initiative, held at Ca la Dona in Ciutat Vella, teaches techniques inspired by martial arts to respond to gender-based violence.

"Self-defense is not a sport. It’s about survival," says instructor Clarissa Fontana. "Many women think they cannot defend themselves. The goal is to break these prejudices and realize that they can. There is no animal that, just for being female, cannot defend itself."

Participants are put in simulated real-life situations of physical, verbal, or psychological violence that women often face, to learn how to manage space and apply techniques effectively with their bodies.

"It's about understanding that you can save yourself. It’s not about defeating an opponent or enemy; it’s about acting efficiently, very quickly, and escaping, but above all, preventing assaults," Fontana adds.

They are taught how to escape if a man restrains them, and at a more advanced level, they learn how to get away in situations of sexual assault, how to fight on the floor, and how to fall safely without hurting themselves.

"The sessions focus on fairly simple techniques, few in number but highly effective. They are also about managing your emotions and adrenaline, understanding that your body has strength, and addressing a significant issue that many women face," she concludes.

In the simulations, Fontana attacks the students, throws them to the ground, pins them, restrains them, or insults them so their bodies acquire real experience.

"The body does not distinguish between theater and a real situation and retains the experience," she explains.

According to Fontana, attendance peaked after Covid-19, during which there was an increase in reports of violence, and in recent years, participation has remained steady.

One of the participants, Julia, says she feels "less in danger" after taking the course.

"Even if the situation hasn’t changed, and I’m not physically stronger, I feel more aware and move through space with more confidence," Julia explains.

"From a very young age, we’re taught what to do to avoid things happening to us, but we’re never taught what to do when they actually happen, regardless of where we are, who we’re with, or what time it was," she adds.

"I’ve always had certain fears in specific spaces, and I feel that being here gives me a lot of freedom, to act consistently, understand my surroundings, and respond effectively," she concludes.