Safety is a basic human need – enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 3 states: We all have the right to life, and to live in freedom and safety.
Lack of physical, mental and emotional safety not only puts life in peril but also erodes or eliminates self esteem, belonging and love. It is a major barrier to wellbeing and to achieving one’s full potential. (Maslow, 1943) Put another way, levels of physical and emotional safety can dictate whether you languish or flourish.
In order for our basic human rights to be met, we must all be able to live in freedom and equality, free from violence and the threat of violence in all its forms, whether it be self-directed, interpersonal and or collective.
Whilst everyone can be vulnerable, there is a relationship between violence, inequality and freedom, (Iadicola, Sharpe, 2012) this harsh reality means that some groups and or individuals face more adversity and vulnerability than others.
To this end, change must be realised in all areas of life – across the globe and in every institution and organisation and in all parts of our daily lives as Eleanor Roosevelt powerfully elucidated:
Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighbourhood they live in; the school or college they attend; the factory, farm, or office where they work. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world. (Eleanor Roosevelt, 1958)
To this end, Soar With Us is passionate about making a difference. We work to promote social justice by raising awareness of barriers to safety, increasing individuals, organisations and communities potential for becoming powerful and effective social change agents.
Through Personal Safety & Self Defence and Positive Psychology interventions we provide pathways to safety aiming to educate, equip and empower, building resilience, enhancing performance and increasing wellbeing. These important life skills not only act as the last back-stop to prevent or limit damage but draw upon an individual’s strengths to build confidence, self esteem and camaraderie.
We do this not only in order that everyone’s basic human right to safety is met but that we can all, be ourselves, move forward and rise together to flourish as individuals, communities and as a human race.
The Harsh Reality
Why is Personal Safety and Self Defence a skill everyone should learn? Here are some links and studies for further reading:
‘I thought it was just part of life‘
Does Self-Defense Training Prevent Sexual Violence Against Women?Download