Valley fights against domestic violence

The Student Health Center held a self defense workshop in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

By Ava Rosate, Staff Writer

Lily Fuentes practices escaping a chokehold with instructor Vanessa Carlisle at the Student Health Center’s domestic violence workshop in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. (Ava Rosate/Valley Star)

Valley College brought Domestic Violence Awareness Month on campus with a self defense workshop on Wednesday in the Student Union Skybox.

Led in three parts, the workshop’s opening topic explained the cycle of violence that is apparent in abusive relationships and how to detect early signs of aggression in a relationship. Domestic violence survivor Vanessa Carlisle led the workshop. Carlisle holds a PHD in English literature and gender studies. After teaching at USC and CSUN, she now leads self defense courses so others are aware of the signs of domestic violence. The event was designed to help students create healthy boundaries in relationships, understand the warning signs of a potentially violent relationship and to properly execute physical self defense moves.

“Domestic violence is an epidemic,”said Carlisle. “Most self defense classes are designed to train you for defense against a stranger, but few train for defense against an intimate partner.”

One in four women has experienced severe physical violence by a domestic partner, for men it is one in seven.

The USC graduate explained that the cycle begins with ‘calm’ tendencies such as gift giving and promises of commitment. But soon ‘tension’ --- small verbal flare ups and indirect aggression will set in, leaving the victim feeling like they are walking on eggshells around the person. Ultimately the cycle leads to violence. After the violent episode a sense of calm ensues and the cycle begins again.

The event’s second part taught physical escape and de-escalation techniques that can be used when in threat of physical danger. The demonstrations included breaking a chokehold, escaping from a tight wrist grip and stances to maintain balance.

“When you're in a life threatening situation, your body will either freeze or fight back,” explained the workshop leader, “these techniques are to give your body some time to think before freezing.”

The event closed with lunch provided by Sharkey’s and a written scenario game. Attendees were given a written prompt with a situation that people in abusive relationships might encounter such as jealousy and controlling behavior. The participants were asked to give an explanation as to how they might de-escalate the situation.

Monarchs in attendance left with a general understanding of how to navigate violent situations. “The workshop gave me confidence. It helped me become aware of potentially dangerous situations in relationships,” said Lilly Fuentes, a student at the workshop. “I am glad I have some knowledge of defense, now I know what my body can do to keep me safe.”

College aged women are most at risk of domestic violence. According to the National Statistics of Domestic Violence, women between the ages of 18-24 are most commonly abused by a domestic partner.

Even though the Los Angeles Police Department files 15,000 reports and makes 6,000 arrests a year for domestic violence, which averages out to 41 reports and 16 arrests a day, half of all domestic violence cases go unreported in fear of retaliation or causing more harm to the situation.

The phone number to the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1(800) 799-7233.