Behind the Black Belt: Elicia’s Battle with Abuse from a Trusted Coach

Aware And Prepared

Elicia recounts how her experience of being groomed and abused by a martial arts instructor when she was growing up severely impacted her self-esteem, mental health, and life trajectory.

Hear things to be aware of to prevent this sort of experience and how she got her power back. Elicia turned around her story for good to prevent and break the cycle of abuse and coercion that so many experience. This is part 1 in a two part series.

LESSONS LEARNED

Understanding Emotional and Mental Abuse: Physical self-defense is important, but recognizing manipulation and emotional abuse is just as critical for personal safety.

Trusting Your Instincts: Women need to be taught to trust their gut feelings and recognize warning signs before danger escalates.

The Harm of Victim Blaming: Blaming the victim, as Elicia experienced, worsens the trauma and makes recovery harder.

The Long-Lasting Impact of Abuse: Abuse at a young age can severely affect self-esteem, decision-making, and trust in oneself.

RESOURCES

Pretty Hands Hard Punches – Elicia's women’s self-defense program, designed to empower women to recognize and defend against both physical and emotional abuse. PrettyHandsHardPunches.com

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Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared