Self Defence TRAINING for THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

In the UK and many countries across the world, homophobic and transphobic hate crimes are on the rise and have been for years.

Verbal attacks, harassment, stalking and violent assault are sadly part of life for many lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.

Our self defence classes and online courses provide a safe environment to learn an empowering life skill. We focus on the psychological aspects of self defence and personal safety - as we believe these are key to being aware of and avoiding dangerous situations.

The physical self defence techniques we teach are simple yet effective and are suitable for anyone of any age, size, strength, fitness level or ability.

 
Self defence training for LGBTQ+ people

Training at Leeds Conservatoire.

“We welcome all communities to our training with the firm belief that everyone has the right to feel safe and live a life free from discrimination.”

Dene Josham, Streetwise Defence

 

LGBTQ+ EXPERIENCES OF VIOLENCE

In the 2023 report into sexual violence against LGBT+ people by GALOP (the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity), their survey of 1000 people found that since the age of 18:

  • 88% of LGBT+ people had experienced sexual harassment

  • 77% of LGBT+ people had experienced sexual assault

  • 79% of LGBT+ survivors surveyed indicated that they were sexually abused by someone known to them

  • The three most frequently named perpetrators of sexual violence who were known to the LGBT+ survivor were a partner or ex-partner (30%), an acquaintance (18%) and a friend (15%)

  • Around 1 in 6 LGBT+ survey respondents reported being sexually abused by a stranger.

Statistics and personal accounts of violence against LGBTQ+ people speak for themselves.

Some officials say these rising figures are because of better reporting of attacks, but we know that reported crime is just the tip of the iceberg.

Many people from the LGBTQ+ community do not want to come forward to report crimes against them as they are concerned about how they will be treated.

We want to create an open dialogue about violence and what is happening in the real world and offer sources of support and education about how to stay safe and avoid the trauma of an attack or abuse.

 

NEED A SELF DEFENCE CLASS FOR YOUR LGBTQ+ GROUP?

We work with a diverse range of community groups at times, locations and in formats that work for you.

  • Evening and weekend sessions available

  • Training in your venue or somewhere local to you

  • Classes last between 1 hour and 3.5 hours

  • Online self defence courses (video courses, watch at your own pace, lifetime access).

Take a look at the class outline on our group self defence page to see the areas we cover in our training.

We are always sensitive to the background of people we train and are very aware that some people from the LGBTQ+ community will have experienced attacks and trauma.

If you’d like to find out more, please email us with some info about your group and we’ll be in touch to discuss costs and options.

 

TRAUMA-INFORMED SELF DEFENCE INSTRUCTOR

Your lead self defence instructor is Dene Josham (pictured here with Co-Founder Julie Waite).

 
 

Dene has a Level 5 qualification in trauma as well as a 30 year career in the security industry, including:

 

TRY AN ONLINE COURSE

‘Self defence essentials’ is an online video course that gives you the basics of self defence in under an hour.

  • Suitable for people of any gender aged 13 and over (with parental guidance)

  • Get instant access to demonstration videos showing you simple but life-saving techniques

  • Works for people of any age and ability.

Simply purchase online and receive instant access - watch at your own pace and in your own home or with a friend.

 
 

SIGN UP TO HEAR MORE

To receive personal safety and self defence tips, plus our latest offers and news, join our email mailing list.