Comments

This morning I had the good fortune of checking in on the "everything self-defense" blog by Tom Callos. I must say it was a pleasure to view "Just Yell Fire". I can't believe that I have never come across this tremendous piece on women's self-defense. Your daughter, Dallas and her friend are truly ambassadors on a subject that is only taken to lightly.

I have been teaching martial arts and situational self-defense since 1978. Only since 1997 has my school focused on the anti-abduction of children and the protection, rape prevention, and quick escape for women. We have implemented much of the information that is offered on this DVD through sources such as John Hall's "Date Escape" and Tony Blauer's "Rape Prevention".

The key that makes "Just Yell Fire" so solid is "who" is presenting this film. The two girls, the police officer, and Dallas' instructor give the targeted audience a much better presentation. It will be so much easier for girls and parents to pay attention and to stay interested.

I truly look forward to scheduling and evening with daughters and parents so that we may view "Just Yell Fire" together. I'm not sure if it's possible for me to download and burn the video to DVD. But I will give it a try and I look forward to sending as many parents as possible to your website.

Hello! I have donated to your organization, Just Yell Fire...having stumbled across it during a search for information on how to teach my daughter to protect herself from assault. I have to say that your organization is fantastic and I only wish what you teach would be mandated and required curriculum in EVERY SCHOOL!

Dear Maggie, I just wanted to thank you so much for making this available to everyone and free no less. I am a 37 year old Mom of 5. In 2004 when my last child was 4 days old I noticed a neighbor girl riding her bike outside my home in a small community in Illinois. She stopped to take a drink of her water and I saw a man get out of his car and try to take her off her bike. I knew this little girl who was 8 at the time for most of her life, and I knew I didn't know this man. I ran outside yelling and he fled. By God's grace I happened to look over and got his licence plate number. Unfortunately he left my home and 45 min. later (presumably) kidnapped and raped a 13 year old. He then was caught the next day and is still in jail awaiting a trial. My point is this 8 year old is always very assure of herself, but when this happened she didn't even yell, and having 3 girls of my own, I need them to know how to be prepared. I have lived in my community all my life and never thought that this would happen here but it did, and I was very comfortable in thinking that. Thank you for caring about our children, and helping everyone feel like they don't have to be a victim, but to be secure in knowing that they can be prepared and protect themselves if need be.

I first read about the video "just yell fire" in last weeks People magazine, and immediately went on line to get more information. As a gynecologist, I have seen firsthand the lifelong devastation of sexual assault. As a martial artist, I understand the importance of empowering everyone to be able to defend themselves. I am encouraging all of my friends, family, coworkers, etc. to visit your site, and learn more about this important message. I also hope to teach some of these skills at our next office meeting. Thank you, Thank you, for making this video.

Hi there! I can't believe your story about how this film got started. But it's amazing. Congratulations on your successful journey, and by helping so many teen girls. But not only are you guys helping out young teen girls, you are helping out adult women. I myself, like so many others have been victimized by sexual assault. The ones who hurt me were never charged. I have two little girls, ages 3 and 8 months, and of course they are so young, I want them to have the opportunity to be able to protect themselves as they grow into adults. By having this video I will be able to help protect them, my nieces, and also my sisters and any other woman I have in my family and friends. I seen you guys on Montel today, and I cried, and cried. It's amazing what you can do if you really want to promote change. I'm so proud of you both, being a mother like I said, I pray to God each and every second that my girls will be just like you guys. Wanting to change things for the better.

My heart goes out to you and your crew for what you all have done.
Thank you again, but remember one thing that I tell my friends who have been hurt... You are NOT a victim, you ARE a survivor inside and out.

With love always, and forever!

Thank you so much for taking this issue to heart and acting on it! I am a rape survivor. 26 years later I am the wife of a minister and mother of 5 - two of them girls. I was sitting at my desk today with my back to the TV. It was really only on for "ambient noise". I was engrossed in my task at hand - literally making my written plan for a group I am starting for survivors of sexual abuse and rape. When I heard your segment on the Montel show today my blood ran cold at the divine timing. (Obviously your appearance on this date in July was a second run) I can't describe the feeling of empowerment I had listening to you girls! I am humbled by your passion for your mission. Perhaps I didn't know what to do all those years ago but my daughters will- thanks to strong young women like you! And for those of us (and we are many) who have lived with this horrible crime I will continue to share my story so that other women can regain their lives.

You young ladies have my utmost admiration and respect for your commitment to protecting other girls like Carly Bruscia and the countless others who don't make the national news. May God bless you richly for your compassion. You have certainly used the gifts He has given you for His glory!

I want to start out by saying thank you for making this video, I think it will help a lot of young girls defend themselves from an attacker. I have several nieces that I want to see this video so that maybe they will know how to act if they ever find themselves in an unthinkable situation. I wished I had known about something like that when I was a teenager/young woman. I was date raped when I was twenty years old and I did not think there was anything that I could do because I went with this guy on my own free will. I tried to fight back but it was not enough. Please send me this video because I want the girls in my family to be prepared.

I will gladly vote for Dallas to win the grant from Volvo. I learned about JYF from a segment on CNN. I intend to share it with my 12-year old daughter, because I am NOT one of those people who thinks it "could never happen to my child..." - I know it can happen to anyone, anywhere, and I want her to feel empowered to protect herself. Just the confidence she will receive from this DVD could make all the difference.

I want you to know that I don't often donate money, but maybe my contribution will allow just one extra young woman to see your DVD, and you never know what a difference it could make. Keep up the inspiring work.

Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and New Year

After learning about Just Yell Fire on the Montel show I just knew I needed a copy for my 13 yr old daughter. I am a mother of 2 always hoping I can protect my children yet knowing I can't always be with them. I would like to thank Dallas and Catherine, their parents and teachers, along with everyone involved for making this film and providing necessary tools for the safety of children everywhere. I have always tried to teach my children to be safe and stay involved in anything they can to provide for and show concern for others. Thank you for showing them that our youth can make a difference in so many ways. Thank you!

Awesome, teenage level everything as well as an interest holder!!! Fabulous mature job!!! I would love to order a dvd to present to our high school health class during "Planned Parenthood" education visits, as it is mostly girls. It would be a wonderful addition of curriculum not ever taught. Thanks again for such a good job!!! I saw you all on Montel and pulled up your site before your segment was even over. I'm betting MILLIONS of others did too – Congratulations!!!!!