Preventive Self-Defense as a Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women: A Behavioral, Educational, and Martial Arts-Based Approach

This article explores preventive self-defense as an integrated approach to reducing violence against women, moving beyond traditional reactive models centered on physical confrontation. By combining behavioral awareness, psychological preparation, and practical techniques derived from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the study proposes a multidimensional framework for personal safety grounded in perception, positioning, and decision-making. Drawing on the applied work of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and self-defense instructor Lilian Vargas Peniche, as well as the experiential perspective of athlete and instructor Victoria Foresto Donzellini, the article examines how structured self-defense training can function as both an individual and collective tool for empowerment. Particular emphasis is placed on situational awareness, behavioral cues, and the transformation of vulnerability from a fixed condition into a dynamic and modifiable state. The discussion highlights the role of self-defense as a preventive practice that can be integrated into educational and community-based contexts, contributing not only to personal protection but also to broader cultural shifts related to autonomy, confidence, and gendered perceptions of safety. Ultimately, the article argues that effective self-defense begins before physical interaction, positioning awareness and behavioral readiness as central elements in the prevention of violence.