A shared story from a student April 2018
I showed my 5 year old nephew who has ADHD and Autism the shirt grab release on Thursday. My sister then told me on Friday that he used it to defend himself against a bully who had been picking on him for months.
His teacher said, "I've never seen Tyson react so calmly in a situation like that."
Normally he would scream and yell and cause a scene but on Friday he knew how to stop the assault.
This class would be amazing for kids like him that get bullied and don't know how to handle the physical side.
An Email thank you message July 2016
Hey Sharon, Deb here from your 'Work-Shop' last Wednesday at Mount Gambier.
I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted to and would write to whoever the decision makers are regarding funding for your 'AWESOME' work with and for 'Women' everywhere!!
I want you to know that the essence of your life has forever changed me for a 'BETTER', 'BRIGHTER' and more 'EMPOWERED' future. You are a 'WOMAN' to be admired and aspired to!
Thank you so much for being so incredibly generous and compassionate and unafraid to expose your own struggles and victories on your journey in this life! Your knowledge, experience and passion have imprinted the fabric of my life in a remarkable way and I would hope that you have every opportunity to affect the lives of as many 'Women' as you possibly can.
I would really appreciate it if you could direct me to the appropriate 'Body' regarding your essential input into the lives of Women like me and so I can commend and make 'Personal' the affect of your particular gift in communication and impartation of 'Life Changing' knowledge and Education to those who need to know!
Thank you again, and I wish you every success in every endeavor!
And ------ is my favorite word!! lol You too cool!! :) :)
Deb
Sue's Story
Hi my name is Sue, and I am a strong and competent woman. I have been involved with NVIP for a couple of years now. I first heard about this program from Lou, Lou is my counsellor. I was so excited it was something that I had been wanting to do for a long time but did not have the finances or the time to do it.
Before I started this short course I had been subjected to domestic violence for some time. I lacked self-esteem, confidence and there would be no way in the world that I would be talking to you now. I walked with my head down to avoid eye contact, I even had a panic attack the first day I went to the course I was so insecure. I would not voice my opinions and I think Lou wanted to knock some sense into me for all the excuses I came up with to stay in an abusive relationship. Well she certainly did that. Channelling my fears, hurt and anger is just what I needed and this course was just the extra help I needed. Don’t get me wrong, the counsellors at NVIP are more than wonderful and I couldn’t have got where I am today without their selfless help, but there was still something missing to complete my journey to become the happy woman I am today. Not that I am completely over everything but I now have a good view of life.
I think it was the third or fourth day that I attended this course that Sharon said something about “that even though we were learning how to protect ourselves, sometimes we will not be able to prevent certain things from happening, but we now have more control of the outcome. We can be on guard to protect ourselves if the opportunity arises. She taught us to get out of restrictive holds like around the throat, pinned on the wall or floor. She taught to respond back, and even though the thought of crushing the offending persons windpipe or preventing them from ever reproducing offspring bought a smile to our lips, the main reason for striking was so you can get away. Sharon empowered all of us that attended, she placed the control back into our hands and even though we can’t control others we have control on how we respond.
I cannot emphasize how important this course was in being that final step to send my abuser packing. No I did not touch him, but I started liking myself more and him less. Self defense is not just physical though, there was a lot of mental aspects too. Sharon had modeled this course brilliantly. From the way she instructed us in a non invasive, non threatening, relaxed atmosphere with compassion and respect, where no pressure was put on us to do or say anything that made us uncomfortable or scared, all we had to do was say NO! Yet she was subtly giving us enough courage to step out of our comfort zones and challenge ourselves, to change the way we thought about our own situations. To start liking the person that we are without changing. There were occasions that I stood in front of the class talking about my self with tears running down my cheeks but I still did it even though I was scared because of the overwealming feeling of comfort and support I felt from Lou, Sharon and the whole class, as I felt that they really understood what I was going through.
I have shared, what I had learnt with Sharon with a friend of mine. She was not yet ready to seek help to get away from her abuse, but at least I could help her to protect herself until she was. And now she has. I cannot speak more highly of any course that I have attended. Every woman that has been involved with domestic violence heals differently and this self defense course was the final thing I needed to heal and move forward. And I would like other women in my situation to have access to it because if I had attended this course a year or two ago, I probably would not have put up with the abuse I did for so long.
I am now making positive steps in my life. I am currently studying Medical Admin and Reception to once again join the workforce, also something that I would not have done months ago. I take pride in my appearance and I am now walking with my head held high. Life is Good!!!!!
Before I started this short course I had been subjected to domestic violence for some time. I lacked self-esteem, confidence and there would be no way in the world that I would be talking to you now. I walked with my head down to avoid eye contact, I even had a panic attack the first day I went to the course I was so insecure. I would not voice my opinions and I think Lou wanted to knock some sense into me for all the excuses I came up with to stay in an abusive relationship. Well she certainly did that. Channelling my fears, hurt and anger is just what I needed and this course was just the extra help I needed. Don’t get me wrong, the counsellors at NVIP are more than wonderful and I couldn’t have got where I am today without their selfless help, but there was still something missing to complete my journey to become the happy woman I am today. Not that I am completely over everything but I now have a good view of life.
I think it was the third or fourth day that I attended this course that Sharon said something about “that even though we were learning how to protect ourselves, sometimes we will not be able to prevent certain things from happening, but we now have more control of the outcome. We can be on guard to protect ourselves if the opportunity arises. She taught us to get out of restrictive holds like around the throat, pinned on the wall or floor. She taught to respond back, and even though the thought of crushing the offending persons windpipe or preventing them from ever reproducing offspring bought a smile to our lips, the main reason for striking was so you can get away. Sharon empowered all of us that attended, she placed the control back into our hands and even though we can’t control others we have control on how we respond.
I cannot emphasize how important this course was in being that final step to send my abuser packing. No I did not touch him, but I started liking myself more and him less. Self defense is not just physical though, there was a lot of mental aspects too. Sharon had modeled this course brilliantly. From the way she instructed us in a non invasive, non threatening, relaxed atmosphere with compassion and respect, where no pressure was put on us to do or say anything that made us uncomfortable or scared, all we had to do was say NO! Yet she was subtly giving us enough courage to step out of our comfort zones and challenge ourselves, to change the way we thought about our own situations. To start liking the person that we are without changing. There were occasions that I stood in front of the class talking about my self with tears running down my cheeks but I still did it even though I was scared because of the overwealming feeling of comfort and support I felt from Lou, Sharon and the whole class, as I felt that they really understood what I was going through.
I have shared, what I had learnt with Sharon with a friend of mine. She was not yet ready to seek help to get away from her abuse, but at least I could help her to protect herself until she was. And now she has. I cannot speak more highly of any course that I have attended. Every woman that has been involved with domestic violence heals differently and this self defense course was the final thing I needed to heal and move forward. And I would like other women in my situation to have access to it because if I had attended this course a year or two ago, I probably would not have put up with the abuse I did for so long.
I am now making positive steps in my life. I am currently studying Medical Admin and Reception to once again join the workforce, also something that I would not have done months ago. I take pride in my appearance and I am now walking with my head held high. Life is Good!!!!!
Family Zone Centacare Story
Morning Sharon,
I have attached the women’s comments that they wrote, about why they are doing the course.
I thought last night was brilliant !!!!
Your approach to each facet was excellent, with the right amount of humor and seriousness. And the content and delivery all great. It is something that I think all women would definitely benefit from doing. I can think of so many women that come here that have such low self esteem and what a difference something like this could make in their lives. (my girls really enjoyed it as well) !!!!
I am really looking forward to the next 3 weeks. Thanks Naomi
Naomi T.
Parent Educator / Family Worker
Family Outreach services
Centacare Catholic Family Services
FamilyZone Hub Ingle Farm
I have attached the women’s comments that they wrote, about why they are doing the course.
I thought last night was brilliant !!!!
Your approach to each facet was excellent, with the right amount of humor and seriousness. And the content and delivery all great. It is something that I think all women would definitely benefit from doing. I can think of so many women that come here that have such low self esteem and what a difference something like this could make in their lives. (my girls really enjoyed it as well) !!!!
I am really looking forward to the next 3 weeks. Thanks Naomi
Naomi T.
Parent Educator / Family Worker
Family Outreach services
Centacare Catholic Family Services
FamilyZone Hub Ingle Farm
WIS (Women’s Information Service) session yesterday
From:Demasi, Gemma AGD
24 March 2009 04:02:06 PM
Hi Sharon,
Thankyou so much for facilitating the session with the WIS (Women’s Information Service) family court support volunteers yesterday. I have received great feedback all round. It would be fantastic to have you present one of the sessions during the upcoming training program for the new volunteer intake.
I could see that the women really connected as a group which is fantastic and something I have recently been trying to encourage in them. So thankyou so much.
WIS Story : (women’s names have been changed for privacy reasons)
'Mary-Jo' came into WIS (Women’s Information Service) today and said that she tried out the walking technique in the supermarket this morning and it worked - instead of her being the one apologising for herself, the other woman got out of 'Mary-Jo's' way!! She was very enthusiastic in the way that she recalled this story to me!! With her permission I have included her little email message below - she sent this to me last night.
Hi Gemma, What a great session! Thanks for organising it.I have done various self-defence/assertiveness training sessions over the years.Good to be refreshed and to learn new things.Sharon is an excellent presenter.Regards 'Mary-Jo'
WIS Story : (woman’s name has been changed for privacy reasons)
'Kate', a long time shopfront and court support volunteer also sent an email to thank me for lunch etc and said the following
"I thought that Sharon was excellent, I am sure the new trainees would benefit from a session with her."
So I thought that I would pass this feeback on.Thanks once again,Gemma
Women’s Information Service
Chesser House 91-97 Grenfell Street Adelaide 5000
Attorney-General's Department
24 March 2009 04:02:06 PM
Hi Sharon,
Thankyou so much for facilitating the session with the WIS (Women’s Information Service) family court support volunteers yesterday. I have received great feedback all round. It would be fantastic to have you present one of the sessions during the upcoming training program for the new volunteer intake.
I could see that the women really connected as a group which is fantastic and something I have recently been trying to encourage in them. So thankyou so much.
WIS Story : (women’s names have been changed for privacy reasons)
'Mary-Jo' came into WIS (Women’s Information Service) today and said that she tried out the walking technique in the supermarket this morning and it worked - instead of her being the one apologising for herself, the other woman got out of 'Mary-Jo's' way!! She was very enthusiastic in the way that she recalled this story to me!! With her permission I have included her little email message below - she sent this to me last night.
Hi Gemma, What a great session! Thanks for organising it.I have done various self-defence/assertiveness training sessions over the years.Good to be refreshed and to learn new things.Sharon is an excellent presenter.Regards 'Mary-Jo'
WIS Story : (woman’s name has been changed for privacy reasons)
'Kate', a long time shopfront and court support volunteer also sent an email to thank me for lunch etc and said the following
"I thought that Sharon was excellent, I am sure the new trainees would benefit from a session with her."
So I thought that I would pass this feeback on.Thanks once again,Gemma
Women’s Information Service
Chesser House 91-97 Grenfell Street Adelaide 5000
Attorney-General's Department
Lisa's Story
Hi Sharon,
I love this walking thing. I have another couple of neighbours joining in on the harrassment. But I was able to walk with my head held high with the walking technique that you have taught us and even a smug smile on my face. It is really empowering. And what's more, because I am able to do this with a smile even when I have sat down I am able to feel so good about myself that I still have the smile on my face only it is bigger.
Just thought that you would like to know this.
Cheers with thanks
Lisa
I love this walking thing. I have another couple of neighbours joining in on the harrassment. But I was able to walk with my head held high with the walking technique that you have taught us and even a smug smile on my face. It is really empowering. And what's more, because I am able to do this with a smile even when I have sat down I am able to feel so good about myself that I still have the smile on my face only it is bigger.
Just thought that you would like to know this.
Cheers with thanks
Lisa
Poem about Domestic Violence
He's a Liar
If what he said were lies
Then that means
When he said 'You are useless'
He meant 'You are useful'
When he said 'You are weak'
He meant 'You are strong'
When he said 'You are powerless'
He meant 'You are powerful'
When he said you are a coward'
He meant 'You are brave'
When he said 'You are worthless'
He meant 'You are valuable beyond measure'
HE IS A LIAR
AND I KNOW THE TRUTH
by Kylie Kirby 26th June 2009
If what he said were lies
Then that means
When he said 'You are useless'
He meant 'You are useful'
When he said 'You are weak'
He meant 'You are strong'
When he said 'You are powerless'
He meant 'You are powerful'
When he said you are a coward'
He meant 'You are brave'
When he said 'You are worthless'
He meant 'You are valuable beyond measure'
HE IS A LIAR
AND I KNOW THE TRUTH
by Kylie Kirby 26th June 2009
