​If you or someone important to you were presented with a physically threatening situation, would you know how to handle it?

Enter Strike Force Self Defence, who deliver an effective, powerful and practical self defence system that simulates real life scenarios.

Strike Force Self Defence is a locally operated and owned business, and Pure Beauty spoke to facilitator, instructor and trainer Don Carrazza about how they could assist Pure Beauty followers.

"It is designed for people 16 years and older, any shape, size and gender to participate in," Don explained.

Strike Force Self Defence seminars cover strategy, tactics and techniques in hand to hand combat, knife and stick threats.

Although the business has been operating for seven years, the duo behind Strike Force Self Defence have been involved in martials arts for over 30 years.
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Photo sourced from ​https://unsplash.com/

The reasoning behind starting the business was to empower people and give them confidence.
"(And to do so) with a strong focus on how to protect yourself without hurting anyone, unless you had no other choice," Don added.

Strike Force Self Defence offers cardio kickboxing, close quarter combat, functional training and women's self defence.

"The Self Defence for Women training seminar is taught during a Saturday afternoon," Don said.

"We have found this time frame to work effectively, especially for women with busy schedules".

"Classes are kept to a maximum of 20 participants, allowing for a more controlled environment. 
 Empowerment, Confidence, Strength and Safety are the key end results".

"Our teaching strategies develop effective fighting skills and encourage a strong fighting spirit against an attack or possible rape".

"These seminars are a great bonding experience for women and highly recommended for larger businesses employing women".

Don said the most rewarding thing about his role is seeing women change their mindset... from when they first come in, to when they leave; feeling confident, empowered and standing up to any situation.

For more information about Strike Force Self Defence, you can visit http://www.strikeforceoz.com.au/​
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EVEN before COVID-19 diverted our lives drastically this year, violence against girls and women had reached pandemic proportions.

Worldwide, 243 million girls and women have been abused by an intimate partner in the last 12 months.

​Forty percent of these females don't report it or seek help.

For someone who has never experienced domestic violence, it would be easy to shake your head and wonder why.

As someone who has experienced domestic violence. I know why.

As countries implemented lockdown incidences of violence against women increased, in some countries five-fold.
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Wednesday, November 25 was "International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women". It also signified the start of 16 days of activism to end violence against females.

You may have seen the orange ribbon tied around trees at places like the Langtree Mall or Mildura Base Hospital.

The theme is: Orange the World - Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect.

There are many different types of violence - some more prevalent in our community then others.

Probably most common in our country are domestic violence, which includes economic violence (controlling finances, school or work), emotional violence, physical violence, psychological violence and sexual violence and Digital or Online Violence, which includes cyberbullying, doxing (public release of identifying or private information) and non-consensual sexting.

In Australia, 16 percent of women have experienced physical violence from a partner since they were 15.

More than one million children are impacted by domestic violence.

On average, one woman per week is killed by a current or former partner.
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And then one day I had enough. I had enough of being belittled. I had enough of being controlled financially. I had enough of the emotional abuse. I had enough of the name calling. I had enough of being scared and I had enough of walking on egg shells.

Suddenly the unknown was less scary than reality; the life I was then living.

And so I did it. I ended my relationship. I turned to my family and friends, I turned to The Orange Door.

I let go of that control and I trusted, because I believed I deserved more than how I was being treated. I believed my family deserved more than how they were being treated.

I'm not going to lie. It's been challenging, it's been hard. Most days I cry.

There are constantly times when I feel how hard this all is, dealing with all the services when you have a family involved is overwhelming.

I can even understand why people contemplate staying in abusive relationships with how hard separation is made.

But there is that underlying feeling of relief. Relief that I don't have to be subjected to that abuse again. Relief that the only way now is up. I just keep reminding myself I am one step closer to freedom and happiness.

I recognise my past relationship gave me some of the best experiences and times of my life, but I also refuse to let the bad times define who I am today.

I never thought I would be brave enough to break the cycle. I never thought I would be brave enough to say enough is enough. But I made that change.

And if you need to make that change - it all starts with you.

You don't need a referral to call The Orange Door or you can visit their website for further information about their services: https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au

And remember, if you believe your safety is at risk, call 000.
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With her striking coloured locks, bombshell curves and sexy pout, I think all of our breath was taken away when we were given a glimpse of Stevie's Boudoir Session.

Stevie absolutely nailed her session, and brought to it a bit of sass, a sultry style, and her favorite boots!

Let's read on about what fears and feelings Stevie overcame during her session and take a look at this Goddess absolutely Slaying her Shoot!
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Did you have any obstacles or fears about doing this session?

I’m not a fan of my body

What made you take the leap of faith to do a boudoir session?

How short life truly is.

Did I provide enough pre-session info?

Definitely
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