Swim or spar

She has a valid point. According to a study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, criminals can sense weakness based on the way a person walks. The survey of 47 violent offenders at a maximum-security prison in Ontario found that aggressors look for someone timid and submissive. Body language cues, such as a short stride, fidgeting and walking slowly, imply lack of confidence. The inmates unanimously picked the same women as 'easy targets'.

So, if victims unknowingly mark themselves out, should we be telling women how to walk (in addition to what to wear and what to say) to make themselves less vulnerable? Of course not. That would be victim blaming. However, doing nothing is no longer an option. One solution, I believe, is to empower women with physical confidence.

Having observed the girls in my son's martial arts class, I would like to see martial arts offered as part of the school curriculum. If twelve years of compulsory swimming can reduce drownings, imagine what twelve years of martial arts training can do for girls' and women's confidence and safety?

Some parents may find it abhorrent to think of their little girl in physical combat wearing a martial arts kimono, instead of a pink tutu. It somehow interferes with the image of innocence we ascribe to little girls. Reality is however, one of violence against women.

It is better to prepare girls to survive and thrive in the violent world they will inherit.Policies and platitudes will not protect them when push comes to shove, literally. Teaching mutual respect should be high on the agenda, too, but it is only part of the solution. Women and girls need skills to protect themselves against aggressors. Martial arts can provide these skills.

Like water, violence is everywhere. I am convinced that compulsory martial arts will do for women's safety what compulsory swimming has done for everyone's safety.