Hollander, J. (2005) (5, Traditional approaches and women’s victimization, definition of violence resistance)

1. Key Themes and Concepts

• Impact of Traditional Approaches on Students:

  • Focus on violence and victimization often leads to despair and hopelessness among students.

  • Emphasis on victimization can disempower and deepen fears, making violence seem inevitable.

  • Discussions of violence often lack balance, focusing on oppression rather than resistance and agency.

• Definition of Resistance:

  • Resistance is inherent in violence because it is unwanted.

  • Forms of resistance:

    • Physical: Actions like running, kicking, yelling.

    • Cognitive: Strategizing alternatives and safety measures.

    • Emotional: Protecting one’s inner self even during submission.

  • Women’s resistance shows strength and courage, contrary to stereotypes of passivity.

• Importance of Focusing on Resistance:

  • Emphasizing resistance counters myths of female vulnerability.

  • Resistance demonstrates women’s power, agency, and the possibility of change.

  • Cultural narratives often erase or diminish women's successful acts of self-defense.

2. Resistance in Practice

• Individual Resistance:

  • At least 75% of attempted sexual assaults are successfully resisted.

  • Physical resistance generally does not increase the risk of injury.

  • Battered women use creative strategies to resist and escape abuse.

• Collective Resistance and Social Change:

  • Grassroots activism has led to legal and societal changes:

    • Recognition of issues like acquaintance rape, marital rape, and stalking.

    • Establishment of services like crisis centers, shelters, and hotlines.

    • Introduction of policies like mandatory arrest laws and victimless prosecution.

  • Collective action highlights the power of women acting together for change.

3. Educational Strategies

• Course Content and Structure:

  • Integrate the theme of resistance from the first day.

  • Include weekly readings on individual and collective resistance, empowerment, and coping.

  • Assign real-world projects encouraging students to enact positive change.

• Guest Speakers:

  • Focus on prevention, resistance, and social change.

  • Examples: Self-defense instructors, shelter staff, advocates, and prosecutors.

• Self-Defense Classes:

  • Empower students by teaching emotional, verbal, and physical self-defense strategies.

  • Reduce fear and increase confidence in personal safety.

• Assignments and Activities:

  • Engage students in creating alternative representations of empowerment and safety.

  • Link discussions on violence with strategies for prevention and change.

  • Encourage projects that foster meaningful community impact.

4. Balancing Vulnerability and Empowerment

• Challenges of Solely Focusing on Violence:

  • May perpetuate stereotypes of women as vulnerable and helpless.

  • Increases feelings of despair and hopelessness in students.

• Empowering Alternatives:

  • Showcases women’s strengths and successful resistance.

  • Reinforces the belief that social change is possible.

  • Encourages students to take action, reducing futility and fostering hope.

5. Reflection and Takeaways

• Understanding violence and resistance is crucial for fostering empowerment.

• Highlighting resistance expands the narrative beyond victimization, offering hope and practical strategies.

• Collective and individual resistance illustrate the potential for significant social change