Lessons in assertiveness can prevent sexual assault

A university self-defense class scheduled in February will teach women to prevent sexual assault through physical and psychological assertiveness.

Chimera, a 12-hour self-defense course, will be offered Feb. 2 and 9 on campus. Students, staff and faculty will receive a discount off the $60 fee.

The university has launched a broad campaign to reduce incidents of sexual assault on campus. National surveys indicate that one in eight women have been sexually assaulted; a survey is underway to determine the prevalence of incidents at UW–Madison.

The national self-defense class, like its mythological namesake, teaches women to prevent sexual assault by relying on the power of illusion. This illusion takes the form of verbal and physical assertiveness.

Perpetrators of sexual assault often target women who are quiet and passive, says Linda Bishop, one of Chimera’s certified instructors. “They don’t want to be identified and they want it easy.” To prevent sexual assault, Bishop says women must assert themselves — they must be willing to raise their voice and make a scene. By doing so, they evoke the mythical beast or, as Bishop calls it, “the element of surprise.”

Along with teaching physical techniques such as the snap kick or throat jab, Chimera teaches women to be psychologically assertive. “Your very first weapon should be your voice,” Bishop tells one class of Chimera students. “It should be loud and low.” Together, the students’ voices crescendo into a series of “NO!”

“Research shows that resistance works,” Bishop says. But resistance, she adds, can take many forms. “We teach a lot of options. Chimera lets women develop their own style of defense.” Regardless, she says Chimera gives women the confidence that they’re going to be okay.

Gaining such confidence could help lower the incidence of sexual assault, says Lori Henn, UW–Madison coordinator of Relationship Violence Prevention. She explains, “Helping women develop a sense of agency is one step toward creating awareness about a woman’s right to be in control of her own body.”

The February session of Chimera will meet from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Feb. 2 and 9, B5 Gordon Commons, 717 W. Johnson St. Cost: $40 students and classified staff, $50 faculty and academic staff, $60 general public.

To register, contact Cheri Dubiel, Chimera coordinator, (608) 251-5126.