It's NEVER the Victim's Fault

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Published 2017-04-26

In recognition of sexual assault awareness month, we wanted to address the damaging impact of "victim blaming" and the misconceptions regarding women's self-defense. Many people wrongly believe that a survivor of sexual assault may be to blame based on what they were wearing, drinking or doing prior to the assault. It's not true, and the insinuation is much more damaging than many realize. It's never the victim's fault. It is a man's responsibility to respect women and their boundaries. But until this day comes, we encourage women to learn self defense; not because it's their responsibility, but because it's their reality.

Free Women's Self Defense Seminar: September 9
On Saturday, September 9th, the Gracie Academy will be offering women's self-defense seminars in Torrance, California and at select training centers worldwide. There is no cost, but you must pre-register to save your spot. Learn more and register online at www.GracieGirls.com/

Major thanks to Ryan Smith for collaborating with us on this one! Check out his awesome work at RyanSmithFilms.com/ or / @ryansmithfilms

All Comments (21)

@janelee3105 6 years ago

'I learn self-defense not because it's my responsibility but because it's my reality.' so deep.
@JaredRandal 7 years ago

The BEST video for self-defense you have ever created! Everything in that video needed to be said by people with a voice. Thank you, Gracie family.
@UIAL570 3 years ago

FANTASTIC POINT! “It’s not my responsibility, it’s my reality”
@BloodofPatriots 6 years ago

Being aware of your surroundings and dangers doesn't mean you "deserve" to be a victim of crime; however, not putting yourself in danger is the first and most important part of self-defense. Don't make yourself an easier target. Even Navy SEALs work in pairs (swim buddy), so, no, don't go out alone if you can help it. You can study grappling for 20 years and it won't help you against $20 karambit. You can run marathons but it won't mean a thing if you're in shoes that don't allow you to run if the need arises. You can practice at the gun range twice a month but it won't help you if your gun is locked in the trunk of your car because you're in a "gun-free zone". Situational awareness, more than anything else, saves lives. In any physical confrontation, three things can happen: You lose and get hurt, you win and get hurt, or you win and escape injury. Two of those three are bad.
@fr7jjswroutsfhiiyr782 7 years ago

A powerful film clip. Thank you for making the film clip.
@joshuablash3368 7 years ago

Actually the best video ever posted by the Gracies, and we all know how awesome they are.
@geemail369 7 years ago

Great message! And especially in terms of "train as you fight" there is really something to take away here when it comes to heels!
@ForReal_Lauren 4 years ago

This is so powerful and moving. Thank you for this incredible piece. Thank you so very, very much. My empowerment mantra/affirmation: I refuse be a victim ever again. I will not live in fear. I will empower myself and others. I will protect myself and the people I love. I will not submit. I will not be put down. I will fight. I will be brave. I will defend myself and I will keep my dignity. I will never let them take that from me.
@ninafuentes1 6 years ago

2 rugby players raped a girl in Ireland, 2 others covered up for them and they were let out in court today. I cried for her. My sister does Brazilian jiu jitsu and told me to do it too and sent me this video. Thanks for inspiring me. I'm starting next week. I'll never be touched without my consent again.
@TackshooterOG 7 years ago

Who honestly blames the victim in theses situations tho? I have never heard anyone say anything close to that.
@77jiujitsu 7 years ago

this video is dope, keep up the good work Gracie clan and thanks for bring the arts to us, 24 years ago :-)
@Bereft777 7 years ago

Awesome, good job showing the benefit of jiu-jitsu!
@joellcherry 7 years ago

This video gave me chills! Amazing.
@amandamusgrave289 7 years ago

this needs to be a national commercial!
@CoolMoney4U 7 years ago

I like the production quality... good stuff! I think those women were the wives of Ryron and Rener.
@katieporter930 7 years ago

Great video made me tear up a bit at the start
@julias5259 7 years ago

Prinzipiell finde ich es nicht gut, wenn man mit der Angst von Menschen spielt (womöglich auch noch um Geld zu verdienen). Aber Gewalt gegen Frauen ist leider noch viel zu häufige Realität und zwar Kultur- und Gesellschaftsübergreifend und wird noch viel zu wenig thematisiert! Daher bin ich froh, dass die Gracie University das Thema hier aufgreift. Und vor allem danke, dass ihr die Frauen als starke Menschen darstellt, die sich natürlich wehren können und sollen!!!
@Guyinhisvan 7 years ago

Production value of this is pretty outstanding.
@TheGroovyJones 7 years ago

Props to Victoria and Eve for doing the hard work in the video. And the Gracie brothers for going along for the ride. And to all of you for saying what you believe even though you knew the comment section would get like this. Confidence in the face of social bluster just like someone starting a... Ohhh I see what you did there.
@qasw1234 7 years ago

Youre right, it is NEVER the victims fault, however everyone is ALWAYS responsible for their own safety