Shape Your Life: Trauma Informed Boxing

Georgia interviews Cathy Van Ingen from Brock University in Toronto, Canada. Cathy is a researcher looking at gender-based violence, boxing, trauma-informed physical activity, geographies of sport and physical activity, sport media, youth culture and sport for development. Cathy founded Shape Your Life, a free, non-contact boxing program for female-identified people who have experienced violence. In this episode we discuss: The history of women in boxing The difference between trauma-informed boxing and regular boxing (Choice and invitation, a safe environment, taking care of food, transport and other need, no obligation to tell your story, giving women the space to experience their emotions) The outcomes of shape your life Stories of amazing women that have participated in Shape Your Life How Cathy got government funding Advice for female trauma survivors