In an effort to lessen or even end attempts at violence against women a class is being held that teaches women to defend themselves while wearing high heels. The class even goes as far to teach those in attendance to use the shoes as a weapon. Avital Zeisler is the founder and instructor of the class and she is no “fly by night” exercise teacher. She is a seasoned pro at many types of self defense and has trained several famous actresses including Keri Russell of “The Americans” on FX.
 
The point is to get women to defend themselves enough in order to be able to escape an attack unharmed. Being a victim of sexual assault herself has been the overwhelming impetus that has pushed her to become the fierce fighter she is. There is no end in sight of women wearing heels so she felt it would help them to know who to defend themselves when they are seemingly most vulnerable. Heels can hurt ones chances of defense simply because they make it seemingly impossible to run away. That being said, knowing how to stand and fight and even utilize the shoes as a weapon is an important option.
 
When used properly heels can be devastating weapons. There have been cases in the past of women using them in defense to stab male attackers. Zeisler says “The point of training in heels is that if you’re wearing heels and targeted for an attack,” she said, “you’re equipped with a few survival strategies that can save your life.” The workshop is currently being offered to women for free but is not held on a regular basis.