ENMU chief gives lessons in self-defense

MANAGING EDITOR

link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

Brad Mauldin sits on top of Haley Madden during one of the last self-defense classes for the semester to demonstrate how someone might attack on the ground. Mauldin said substance abuse is often a factor in violent situations.

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Eastern New Mexico University Police Chief Brad Mauldin takes the connection between substance abuse and domestic and sexual violence seriously.

As a law enforcement officer whose daily life revolves around the 18 to 24 age range, a generation more prone to drinking and drug use, Mauldin said he has no doubt the two have a connection and that one exacerbates the other, which is part of the reason Mauldin teaches a self-defense class at the university each semester.

“When we look at this age group, it is a time period in both male and female lives where they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as attending social parties or clubs where intoxicating substances are readily available,” Mauldin said. “I have also heard others refer to this age group as the ‘age of invincibility.’ Many in this age group are operating on a new found sense of freedom and believe such things could never happen to them.

"We (police officers) see the use of intoxicating substances, such as alcohol or drugs by one or more parties involved in the majority of dating violence, domestic violence or sexual assault cases we field,” he added. “We may have a situation where a couple is already struggling with finances in a relationship. Arguments that were always verbal before may turn violent and physical when you add alcohol or substance use to the mix.”

Mauldin said in 100 percent of the sexual assault cases that were reported to have occurred on the campus of Eastern New Mexico University for 2014, either the suspect, victim or both had consumed alcohol, drugs, prescription medications or engaged in polydrug use (the combination of the two or more substances).

“Alcohol and drugs lowers inhibitions and enhances already volatile emotions,” Mauldin said. “Alcohol and drugs can cause individuals to engage in behaviors they would not normally engage in under normal circumstances.”

Mauldin said he would never suggest a young person go straight to violence to protect themselves from domestic abuse or sexual assault, but it is an important thing to know in instances in which you have no choice but to protect yourself physically. “I think there is sometimes a misunderstanding when it comes to perceptions about self-defense,” Mauldin said. “When most individuals think of self-defense, they think of physical techniques to use to defend themselves from an attacker. While this is partially true, only a small part of self-defense is about physical techniques. I feel most self-defense techniques are about using risk reduction and risk avoidance strategies to get out of potentially dangerous situations altogether or before they occur.”

Mauldin said even in his self-defense class, he teaches his students to get their attacker in a hold on the ground rather than teaching them means of severely hurting someone. He said the best way for someone to protect themselves is for them to avoid social situations that involve substance abuse and/or volatile emotions, but no circumstance justifies abuse or sexual assault and in some cases, attacks cannot be avoided.

According to a 1997 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), one fourth to one half of men who commit acts of domestic violence also have substance abuse problems and as many as 80 percent of child abuse cases are associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs.

“Research also indicates that women who abuse alcohol and other drugs are more likely to become victims of domestic violence and that victims of domestic violence are more likely to receive prescriptions for and become dependent on tranquilizers, sedatives, stimulants and painkillers and are more likely to abuse alcohol,” the study reads. “Clearly, substance abuse is associated with domestic violence, but it is not the only factor.”

Mariah Zerr, who takes Mauldin’s self-defense class, said although the chances are slimmer for being attacked in Portales, she feels more confident going about her daily life knowing she has the knowledge to take someone down if necessary.

“The good thing about what he teaches is it’s not strength based,” said Zerr, who regularly partners with student Elijah Saina, who is twice her size. “I can take down Elijah without having to be stronger than he is, and that’s really important, because it gives you more confidence as you walk around town. He’ll pair you up with someone larger than you. The first time, I was really worried about it, but then he mentioned it’s not about how strong you are; you can still take someone down.”

Saina said the class is a great crime prevention program, especially for females, because anyone who has the knowledge to protect themselves is going to feel more confident in themselves. He said Mauldin uses real life situation to illustrate how someone might approach or attack a person and how the victim would respond.

“Whether you’re strong or not, it’s good to have that knowledge in your mind,” Saina said.

But again, Mauldin said, physical violence should never be a person’s first response to situations unless necessary.

“I think the first would be to get out of abusive or volatile relationships. Many individuals hold onto these relationships because of perceived financial dependence or for children in the relationship,” Mauldin said. “Recognizing red flags early in a relationship can also prevent future problems. These can involve someone trying to control where you go, who you hang out with and how you dress. If you were once social and find yourself more secluded from friends and family you are close to, you have a problem.”

Mauldin said people are more likely to be attacked by someone they know rather than someone they don’t.

“Ultimately, it is best for individuals to avoid the use of alcohol, but this may be an unrealistic expectation,” Mauldin said. “If an individual chooses to drink or attend social gatherings, they should go in groups and never leave anyone behind. Never leave your drinks unattended and limit the number of drinks you consume. Use common sense and pay attention to your environment.”