Discover the Fortissima Method
Our Mission
Empowering young girls with the tools to defend themselves against violence and abuse. Aligns With The DofE and Government Sept 2026 Policies. Request the mapping of our course to the new school policies for VAWG.
Our Program
The Fortissima Method, is specifically designed for UK school girls aged 13/18. Through this comprehensive full-day training, we raise awareness of the legal definitions of domestic abuse crimes and coercive control so that your students know the exact legal explanation of some of the behaviours they may experience. After the ‘cognitive stuff’ such as awareness training in their legal rights in relationships, mental models, and some games to illustrate concepts, such as boundaries, the Invisible Cage, and risk assessment, we move on to practical exercises. Physical presence, situational awareness, stance and voice training and practice, each student gets a ‘tool kit’ both verbal and practical that has been practiced and ready to use when needed.
Finally moving onto some physical defence techniques for getting out of a few common grips or attacks, including the controlling ‘cuddle’, controlling by hair, how to fall and how to protect yourself from the floor. The emphasis is on defence not attack, every girl has a right to effect defence enough to effect escape.
Join Us and Make a Difference to the New Generation of Young Women.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pressing safeguarding challenges facing schools today. Statistics from the Home Office and the Office for National Statistics paint a consistent picture: adolescent girls are disproportionately affected by street harassment, intimate partner violence, and coercive control. Yet despite this reality, most school-based provision focuses on awareness rather than actionable skill. Students are told what to watch out for — but rarely taught what to actually do.
The Fortissima Method Programme Overview for Headteachers
A trauma-informed, day-long self-protection and empowerment programme for female students aged 13–18. Designed by a former police officer, martial arts instructor, and survivor of childhood sexual abuse and domestic abuse, the Fortissima Method translates frontline policing experience and national Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy into practical, empowering skills for the classroom. The programme aligns fully with statutory RSHE requirements, equipping students to identify risks, understand the law surrounding domestic abuse, and navigate personal boundaries with clarity and confidence. Delivered through three core training modules alongside legal literacy and observational skills training, the Fortissima Method offers a comprehensive, school-ready approach to student safety and empowerment. Every element of the curriculum has been shaped by lived experience, professional expertise, and a deep understanding of the pressures facing young women today. From the subtle erosion of self-trust in coercive relationships to the physical reality of unwanted contact in public spaces, the experiences of young women today need to be balanced with a new type of education, one that the new September 2026 DFE VAWG Policy thankfully addresses.
The Problem We’re Addressing
- Normalisation of street harassment among teenage girls
- Lack of practical, confident responses to boundary violations
- Poor understanding of coercive control and its early warning signs
- Low spatial confidence and situational awareness in public spaces
- Limited knowledge of legal rights and reporting pathways
Our Approach
Rather than relying on fear-based messaging or passive awareness campaigns, the Fortissima Method equips students with practical, rehearsed responses they can deploy in real time. The programme is trauma-informed throughout — meaning it is designed to empower without traumatising, educate without overwhelming, and to build genuine confidence rather than anxiety.
Explore our Training Program
Discover the various aspects of our training program and how it can benefit you.
Knowledge and Skills
Gain knowledge and skills in situational awareness, verbal communication and stance used by police officers to reduce conflict and stay safe. Understanding the law regarding relationships and abuse.
Female Empowerment
Target Hardening is the result of the knowledge and practiced skills that make up The Fortissima Method. A summative assessment is offered in the form of a pre and post session quiz and peer on peer role play which should show the progression made in reducing the chances of victimisation.
Practice and Application
Sharpens skills through consistent practice, your students will leave with a handy tool kit of prepared responses.
Targeted and Supportive
Our program is tailored specifically for U.K. female teens aged 13 to 18 years old and provides a supportive environment for learning and confidence growth. Our tutor is DBS, Safeguard Trained and Trauma Informed.
Join us in our mission to give young women and girls the toolkit they need to be safe from violence!
How we can help, in numbers
suitable for ages
13-18yrs
counties covered
5
Percent of girls who have experienced relationship violence
x%
What Our Clients Say
We are currently building our client portfolio so please head back soon. In the meantime if you would like at cost training to help us build our portfolio contact us for a travel-only day. Repay us with a review.
The Impact of The Fortissima Method.
I couldn’t recommend The Fortissima Method enough. My daughter has not only learned important self-defense tactics, but also gained a deeper understanding of her rights and how to protect herself.
Maddie Shaw
Hope Academy for Girls