Valuable lessons
Women and girls of Pictou County learn self-defence
A sexual assault survivor trained fellow women in the art of self-defence at Pictou Academy Saturday, should they ever come face-to-face with an attacker.
Kelli Cruikshank and her husband Chris took the class of women and girls through a series simple techniques including verbal assertiveness, releasing grips and breaking out of a chokehold.
“I want to provide the means for women to be able to protect themselves in any situation with very basic movements that’s easy to remember and very effective,” Cruikshank told The News.
She said the moves were quick and easy to remember. Even loudly shouting “no” at an attacker or bully is often enough to scare them off.
Cruikshank said that with the rise of social media – including the worldwide #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault – people have become much more aware of violence within their own communities.
“We just need to learn how to protect ourselves,” said Cruikshank. “Today is providing a good, solid foundation.”
Class participant Kathy DeCoste from New Glasgow agreed that knowing basic selfdefence was important.
“A lot of times people are out walking by themselves or in a situation that they can’t defend themselves,” said DeCoste.
The Saturday class drew roughly 15 participants, including both girls and women and received support from the Town of Pictou.
The Town of Truro is running a similar women’s self-defence course, including pad training, lasting 10 weeks for people in that area.