Empowered Self-Defence (ESD)
Engaging practical and educational self defence workshops for women.
WHAT IS EMPOWERED SELF-DEFENCE?
1 in 3 women are attacked or sexually harassed during their lifetime
(World Health Organisation, 2020).
ESD is a scientifically backed form of violence prevention.
The solutions proposed for ending violence against women all focus on before (prevention) or after (treatment/therapy). ESD teaches women how to hopefully avoid an attack and what to do during an attack or immediately preceding it.
Empowered Self-Defence (ESD) has been developed by women FOR women.
It is designed with an understanding of women’s bodies and how they can best use these skills if attacked.
Birchtree's Empowered Self-Defence Model
- ESD helps participants connect with the full force of their power – once you gain confidence in your capacity to defend yourself physically, you gain confidence in your capacity to set boundaries and to say ‘No’ when needed.
- Many cultures discouraged from saying ‘No’ – ESD encourages women not just to say ‘No’ but to yell and create a scene!
- ESD enables women to protect themselves while they remain highly vulnerable to physical and sexual violence.
- ESD acts as a prevention, intervention, and post-traumatisation strategy, thereby mitigating the likelihood of sustained damage to women’s mental health.
- Participants attain an enhanced sense of personal agency, improved self-confidence in their capacity to set boundaries, and to prevent/escape violent situations.
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WHAT IS TAUGHT IN ESD?
ESD workshops are both practical and educational.
We teach easy-to-action moves that enable young women to defend themselves when under threat.
Importantly, when covering what can be considered a 'heavy topic', we make it fun and playful while also being thought provoking.
Situational Awareness
Verbal Assertiveness
De-escalation
Physical Self-defence
Confidently saying 'NO'
Healthy Relationship Skills
ESD OUTCOMES FOR WOMEN
WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE
University Workshops
Universities in Australia report alarming statistics regarding the rates of sexual assault and harassment among university students.
- While universities reiterate their commitment to student safety, a majority of their focus has been on regulatory oversight, policy review, staff training and management of disclosure.
- ESD provides a unique proposition for universities, including residential colleges, that is proven to decrease sexual assaults, sexual harassment while increasing students awareness around self protection.
- ESD workshops are specifically designed to target increased positive mental health outcomes for women.
Birchtree’s ESD workshop bridges the gap between students and mental health support.
- ESD assists students, particularly students living in dormitory accommodations, to identify risk, remove themselves from risky situations, and protect themselves should they be unable to de-escalate the situation.
High School Workshops
- The ESD workshop is appropriate for students in Years 10 – 12.
- The ESD workshop is designed to equip young women with appropriate protective and defensive skills, preparing them for leaving home and dormitory living.
- Despite being aware that sexual assault and harassment statistics are increasing in university settings, little is targeting young women prior to entering university. This fun and engaging workshop is designed to assist 16-18 year old women in identifying risky situations.
General Community Workshops
- Organisations use ESD for team building and bonding exercises, to empower their female staff.