I first met Claudia in a short workshop on International Women's Day in 1995 I think. In those days I frequently found myself at the receiving end of violence when I intervened to stop men harassing women in public places. Claudia advised me to keep myself safe. She told me I was no good to anyone if I was dead or in hospital. "Be a useful witness" and "get help" was her advice.
The other day I found myself again in a familiar dilemma as huge man was raging at a woman in a car. I did a u-turn on my bike. And waited as Claudia's voice spoke to me. She was right: the main protagonist was at least twice my size (Claudia and I were the same height!) and he had two buddies in his SUV. It was hard to not leap in, but I held my ground as a witness and asked him (very politely!) to stop shouting at the woman, whilst all the time remembering the strategies I had learnt to take him down if necessary:)
Much as I would have liked the bully to experience some adverse (and permanently painful) experience, I am happy to say that the woman driver was not hurt, and neither was I. This is thanks to Claudia.
Still helping me stay alive - to this very day.
Thank you Claudia.