Categorized as: atlanta

“It’s On Us” To Stop Sexual Assault

Lately, it seems like every time I turn on any news station, there is another college fraternity being suspended for allegations of some type of sexual assault. Recently the University of Virginia has suspended all fraternities and parties associated with the fraternities following a Rolling Stone Magazine article that describes one student’s account of being gang raped and her annoyance with her school to hold her attackers responsible. President Teresa A. Sullivan wrote in a statement to the university community. “Rape is an abhorrent crime that has no place in the world, let alone on the campuses and grounds of our nation’s colleges and universities.

How can we, the female society, willing fill out applications to our dream schools and most of the social clubs are on suspension or investigation for sexual assault. I wanted to know, what are college administrations and our governments doing to protect us on campus from sexual assaults?

Well here is the answer. The Obama Administration launched “It’s On Us” Public Awareness Campaign this year. This campaign has been formulated:

• To RECOGNIZE that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.
• To IDENTIFY situations in which sexual assault may occur.
• To INTERVENE in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.
• To CREATE an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.

“It’s On Us” I believe is a pledge that all schools and colleges can implement to make a big difference on how the female student body.

When a victim can have the support of her school and that her allegations will not go unheard, that is already a strong unified campus that I would want to be apart of.

While on winter break sign your Young Diva for Divas In Defense “On Her Own” Workshop December 20th, 2014:

Take the “Its On Us” Pledge Here:
http://itsonus.org/#pledge_open

“UVA Suspends Fraternities after Report on Gang Rape Allegations.” CNN. Ralph Ellis, 23 Nov. 2014. Web. 23 Nov. 2014

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Street Harassment the Uncomfortable Walk

Before reading those stories, and posting, I accepted it as the norm to get harassed all the time.” (Hollaback participant, 2012) –

Now we all can admit that hearing “That I Notice You” whistle or look might actually brighten up your day, but what can you do if it progresses into an uncomfortable situation: whistle blowing, hisses and the stares. Many do not understand what is the ‘Big Deal”. Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences were the most common form of sexual violence experienced by both women and men.

Event though the assailant is not being physical public harassment is still pretty close to your Personal Safety Zone. The assailant might not even notice they are speaking the language of Sexual Terrorism. It could all be apart of their Social Anxiety Defense Mechanism stemming from low self-esteem.

Street Harassment on College Campuses
Recently the company behind the Hollaback! App collected 282 undergraduate, graduate and part-time college students and 44 college administrators on campuses from the urban, suburban and rural U.S. to find out how harassment exists in spaces of higher education.
• Students are being harassed on their college campuses (67% of students experienced harassment),
• Harassment is limiting student’s ability to benefit from education,
• Current campus systems and processes are insufficient.
• Over 99 percent of women report facing some form of street harassment.
• 95 percent of women report being the target of leering or excessive staring at least once.
• More than 37 percent of women have had a stranger masturbate at or in front of them at least once in public.
• Nearly 57 percent of women reported being touched or grabbed in a sexual way by a stranger in public.
• Over 77 percent of women said they were the targets of kissing noises from men.
• About 62 percent of women say a man has purposely blocked their path at least once.
• About 27 percent of women report being assaulted at least once in public by a stranger.

“But I found myself forcing myself to bring it up and to tell people about it and to, even like, people I wouldn’t normally tell this to, like my Dad… Hollaback cultured my feeling that this should be shared.”
The only way we can become a fighting voice for all of those who cannot.

Sources: http://www.ihollaback.org/
SOURCES: Stop Street Harassment, Feministe/Patrick McNeil, Center for American Progress

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Like many of our Divas and especially our Atlanta Divas; who attended our Kicks & Flicks for this movie, I could not stop hearing about ‘No Good Deed’ and its plot.
As I sat with my mom in the theatre the question – Can this really happen? Popped up scene after scene.
We’ve all done it: answered the door, when we know we are not expecting anyone. Thank goodness for most of us, it is usually your friend, neighbor or postman. But what if they are not
In the first 10 minutes I saw a billion steps the main character played by Taraji P. Henson did absolutely wrong:

Here is a brief list just incase you missed the signs:
Open door for someone she wasn’t expecting.
Continue conversation with stranger then informed stranger that she was home alone
Left door unattended.
Invited stranger into the home.
Alarm pad not in use!!

The Divas In Defense team has put together a few hints so we can all avoid being caught on the wrong side of home invasions.

Know Thy Neighbor
The reason behind this is three-fold. Firstly, if you know the people who live around you, then you can tell much more easily if someone there is out of place. Also, in the event of an emergency, it’s a good idea to have at least one of your neighbor’s phone numbers (if not more) to reach out for help.

Stay Secure
There are many levels of prevention. There are the simpler measures (get a dog, which make for great deterrents; make sure doors have peep holes, and use them; make sure all locks are functional and that any outside fences are in good condition) to the larger ones (get an alarm that actually alerts a security service; install security cameras–even ones that are visible to any possible perps) to the really big guns (panic room, anyone?). Which of these you should employ ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, but all (or nearly all) of them are worth investigating.

When Precautions Fail

There are further measures you can take in the event someone does breach your home.

Have a pre-meditated escape plan: Know how you will quickly and safely evacuate you and your family from the house. Make a Meet Up Place!

Learn self-defense: This is not only from a physical stand point from the self confidence you gain from becoming Empowered over your own body. Attackers play on a victim’s vulnerability.

Let them take your stuff: They’re only there for your girl’s jewelry and expensive electronics…let them have at it! All of that stuff—ALL of it—is replaceable. You and your loved ones are not.

Don’t let them take you: As bleak as it sounds, whatever may happen to you wherever they take you will be far worse than what happens in the house. Be it by negotiation or by force, do not let home invaders take you or your loved ones.

Was this movie extreme, ehhhh I say yes but it was done correctly. It gained attention of everyone. The roles played by all characters can easily be reverse. Man home alone with his kids then a stranger knocks…

A Lesson On Crisis Intervention

Last Thursday, March 13, Divas In Defense was invited by representatives of NBC to join a screening of their new show Crisis.  Crisis is a brand new television series which officially premiered on NBC last night.  According to a summary written by NBC on Imdb.com‘s webpage the show “Centers on an idealistic Secret Service agent who finds himself at the center of an international crisis on his first day on the job. In his search for the truth, he will have to cross moral and legal lines as he navigates the highest levels of power and corruption.”

It was a fabulous experience and our very own Cole Parker and Skye Walton were asked to perform a self-defense demonstration prior to the screening.  The duo did a brief, very educational, demonstration that left the audience amazed.  Divas In Defense is the perfect place to learn how to approach a crisis situation, so be sure to sign up for one of our many classes designed to suit the beginning student to the most advanced student.

Thank you so much to NBC for inviting us!

Is It Time to Intervene Your Teen?

Signs of Dating Abuse In Teens

It’s hard to believe that we’re already into the month of February. In just two short weeks Valentine’s Day will arrive and many couples will celebrate with home-cooked meals for their significant other, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, and large amounts of conversation hearts. Even though February is a love-filled month, it’s the perfect time to get educated about dating abuse; particularly teen dating abuse.

February is recognized by President Barack Obama as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month. One-in-four high school females have been sexually or physically abused, so chances are you have a friend or know someone in an abusive relationship. How can you tell? Here are a few of the signs:

  • – sudden isolation from friends
  • – bodily injuries like cuts or bruises
  • – dramatically different behavior around his/her boyfriend/girlfriend
  • – over-load of texts or calls from significant other wanting to know where they are
  • – excessive surveillance by significant other of texts or calls

If you or someone you know experiences any or all of these signs, don’t be afraid to seek help. Self-defense classes are an excellent way to stay prepared, even in a serious relationship. Divas In Defense offers such classes for teens and young adults, so please check out divasindefense.com for more information.

Visit www.loveisrespect.org for even more information about teen dating abuse statistics, the signs to look for, and how to seek proper help.

Divas ROC with Kicks & Coffee

Saturday, January 25th 8:30am-10am, kick off your morning with self defense.

(For Immediate Release) Refreshments and empowerment will be served this Saturday, January 25th 8:30am-10am, at ROC House Women’s Fitness Spa. Held at 3402 Piedmont Rd Ne, Atlanta, Fierce & Fabulous Self-Defense is an introductory, hand-to-hand combative training program. With one in six girls estimated to become a victim of attempted or completed sexual assault by the age of 18, Divas In Defense, since 2010, has been dedicated to its mission of empowering women with the training and tools imperative to their personal safety. Saturday’s Fierce & Fabulous Self-Defense introductory is being hosted at ROC House Women’s Fitness Spa, bringing the first Kicks & Coffee.

Divas In Defense believes in the mission of ROC House, a woman’s fitness center and spa that is solely “geared towards the empowerment of women and their over all health. They’ve gone over and beyond to obtain machinery specifically designed for women” says Skye Walton, Director of Client Relations (Divas in Defense). As the first of event of 2014 for Divas in Defense, Walton hopes it is a catalyst for many more Kicks & Coffee to come; “I hope women come out for the camaraderie, the sisterhood, and to gain the right techniques to protect themselves,” Walton. Register for only $35 at divasindefense.com

About ROC House Fitness & Spa

ROC House Women’s Fitness Spa is nirvana: a well-rounded shelter that seeks to physically, spiritually and emotionally eliminate the stress in women’s daily lives. Founded by former NBA point guard, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, ROC House Fitness ask women of all sizes, ages and shapes to involve them in their commitment to a lifestyle of health, beauty and wellness. The Spa is located in the premiere Atlanta neighborhood of Buckhead. For more information, visit www.rochousefitnesspa.com

About Divas In Defense

2010, Divas In Defense was started by two brothers, Cole Parker and Christopher Britto, who witnessed domestic violence first hand. They are now fathers with daughters and significant others pledging to prevent the violence which was witnessed, to as many women and girls as they can. Divas In Defense is helmed out of Atlanta, Ga and Beverly Hills, California.

Divas In Defense + Universal Pictures = One Kick Ass Event!

Divas In Defense Joins Forces With Kick-Ass 2 Movie For The Sake Of Women’s Safety

Roll With Divas In Defense And Kick Ass

Nope, it’s not Halloween, but you’ll need your costume to kick some butt!

On August 12, Divas in Defense joins forces with Universal Pictures in the name of your favorite superheroes from Kick-Ass, the hit movie franchise. Kick-Ass 2 and Divas in Defense invites you to learn no-fear based, situational self-defense—and you got it, in your superhero costume. Held at Gotta Dance Atlanta as part of a “bring out your inner superhero” and women’s safety campaign—all participants will receive invaluable instruction and guidance from DID certified professional trainers. As an added bonus, all paying attendees will receive complimentary passes to the advance screening, branded t-shirts, watches and more!

Admission is $15 for costumed participants, $35 for non-costumed. Class starts at 5:30pm at 1778 Ellsworth Industrial Drive NW, Atlanta, 30318.

Divas in Defense Partners with The Call

We were excited to partner with Gofobo and Sony Pictures to promote the new movie, The Call, that opens in theaters today. The Call is a thriller starring Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin about a 911 operator (Berry) that receives a call from a girl (Breslin) that has just been abducted. We had the privilege to partner with local organizations at Oglethorpe University and Georgia State University to promote the movie and teach students self defense techniques. We discussed ways to avoid abduction and other violent crimes.

Students were then given safety flashlights and movie passes to attend a movie screening of The Call prior to opening day. This movie is why we are passionate about what we do here at Divas in Defense. Bringing awareness to these types of issues may save your life one day.

Interested in hosting a class at your school? Contact us today.

Attempted child abduction in N.E. Atlanta

Police put out an alert Thursday for a man driving a black pickup truck who allegedly tried to kidnap a 7-year-old girl from a street corner in northeast Atlanta.

The incident happened about 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at Parkway Drive N.E. and Angier Avenue N.E., police said.

The girl was walking on Parkway with two friends, ages 9 and 12, when a man in a pickup slowed down and asked the girls where they were going, police said. They ignored him and continued walking.

“The man exited his truck, grabbed the 7-year-old girl, covered her mouth so that she couldn’t scream and began dragging her toward his truck,” Atlanta police Officer John Chafee said in a news release.

“The other two girls grabbed the victim and attempted to pull her away from the suspect, who then released the girl and fled the scene in his vehicle,” Chafee said.

The girls described the assailant as a black man, about 50 years old, bald, about 6 feet 1 inch tall and 200 pounds, police said. He was wearing a blue shirt, baggy shorts and red Converse All-Star shoes.

Police said the youngsters described the truck as a black full-sized pickup with silver rims, possibly spinners. The rear windows had decals of red and orange flames or lightning bolts.

Anyone with information should contact Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Tips can be made anonymously, and callers could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

Story by David Ibata, Atlanta Journal Constitution

Read story here.

Divas in Defense Partners with Budget Car and Truck Rental of Atlanta to Teach Self-Defense and Cyberbullying Prevention at the Allstate/Tom Joyner Family Reunion

With children returning to school, it is imperative to educate children and their parents on social media etiquette, internet safety and cyberbullying prevention. In an effort to provide awareness and training, Divas in Defense has teamed with Budget Car and Truck Rental of Atlanta to provide self-defense training at the Allstate/Tom Joyner Family Reunion in Orlando Florida. This campaign consists of a series of self-defense presentations and classes. These classes include training on how to protect your identity against theft, warning signs of a child being bullied, proper “netiquette” when utilizing social media platforms.

Budget Car and Truck Rental of Atlanta has been locally owned and operated since 1977. Budget has 14 convenient metro Atlanta locations open 7 days a week to provide the best value in car rental while democratizing travel. Budget Atlanta offers a wide variety of rental vehicles from sedans to luxury cars, specialty and premium vehicles, SUVs, minivans, passenger vans, and trucks. Reservations and more information is available through their local website: BudgetATL.com. Budget Car and Truck Rental of Atlanta is to be commended for taking a stand against violence towards women and cyberbullying by providing transportation for Divas In Defense trainers to provide self-defense educational services. These are a set of classes FREE and OPEN to the public at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando from August 30, 2012 through September 3, 2012. The classes target women and children with specific focus on teens and the issues they face.

Divas in Defense’s mission is to empower women of all ages with the training and tools imperative to their personal safety and the safety of their families. Through fun, instinctive learning; women gain the knowledge to protect and arm themselves while gaining confidence not to be the victims.

About Divas in Defense

Currently located in six states and Mexico, Divas in Defense provides self-defense for the “everyday” woman. From the athlete to the not-so- active, the businesswoman to the student, and the shy to the confident, our courses are intended to educate, promote awareness, build self-esteem and give women the physical and mental tools they need to detect, avoid and escape potentially violent situations. We also provide on-site corporate and private training programs, including specialty training seminars and presentations.

To bring Divas in Defense to your next event for a presentation or for a training session, please contact Divas in Defense at (877) 713-4343 or via email at

in**@di************.com











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