Violence against women: Self-defence classes provide skills and confidence

There have been a range of suggestions about how to tackle the issue, but some women feel that learning self-defence is at least part of the solution.

Three women who have all walked different lives and have different experiences, have joined together over their shared desire to learn self-defence.

Glow NI, a Belfast charity that focuses on empowering women and girls, has sponsored self defence classes for women in Belfast.

Aoife Molloy said she she felt a lot more confident that she could stand up for herself after starting the classes.

“Two months ago, I was like a little shell of who I am now,” she said.

“After being in a violent relationship, actually hitting somebody and getting hit back was a big milestone that I had to deal with, it was very hard for me to get my head around that.

“I became very isolated so now I have a big bunch of girlfriends which is great.”