By sdnonline

In order to reduce the spate of sexual violence against girls in the society, Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED) has trained adolescent girls on ways to defend themselves from such.

The training which took place at Ikorodu area of Lagos State had in attendance, 30 adolescents. The programme was with support from Canada, Women’s Rights and Health Project, and Actionaid.

Speaking at the programme, the facilitator, Mrs. Elizabeth Samuel declared that self defense is the act of defending oneself from getting harm which include fighting back, boxing and karate. Or anything we do, say or believe that keeps one safe.

In keeping safe, she enjoined the participants to report to elderly person or authority that someome.is bothering them.

“You can say or yell leave me alone; tell a teacher or report to an elderly or authority when someone is bothering you,” she said.

She identified five person weapons that every individual possesses which include the spirit, mind, eyes, voice and body (SMEVG).

While explaining the types of assault to include verbal, intimidation and physical assault; she however informed that to defend themselves, the girls must know the stages of fighting stance.

“When you stand normally, being pushed is inevitable but to defend oneself, you must stand in the fighting stance which prevents you from falling and getting hurt,” she stressed.

While demonstrating the fighting stance, she urged the participants in the use of their voice.
“Finally, you are going to yell ‘No’ in a real life situation and when you say ‘No’ it should be firm and not squeaky from the throat,” she advised.