Self-defense classes offered for women and children

The Moraine Police Department has been teaching a women’s self defense program since 1997, and to date, more than 500 women have completed the course.

The only cost associated with the course to the participants is the time spent on the Monday nights the course is offered. The program is designed to teach women (ages 12 and older) threat awareness and strategies to combat the threats. These techniques are taught in a classroom setting, along with practical application of them.

“Programs like these that we offer are important on several levels,” said Moraine police Sgt. Jonathan Spencer. “First, they teach important skills to women of all ages and ability and help to empower them should they be placed in the unfortunate situation to have to utilize these tools.

“Also, it’s a great opportunity for us to build strong relationships within our community. Strong bonds with our citizens are essential to our success as a division and help us serve them more efficiently.”

The personnel that teach the course have been doing so since the course inception and take pride in making the course fun and educational for all of those that attend. The course lasts four weeks and is three hours each session. The course is designed for women of all skill sets and is not restricted to Moraine residents.

“The course provides women with risk reduction techniques to prevent them from being a victim and tools they can use should they face an attack,” said Moraine police Officer Denise Smith.

Moraine police also offer a children’s self defense course throughout the year. The course is designed to teach the younger children what to do when they are placed in situations that are unsafe, and it helps instill in them the confidence to react properly during these types of situations.

For more information regarding either program, please contact Sgt. M. Keegan or Officer D. Smith at mkeegan@moraineoh.org; dsmith@ moraineoh.org or call 937-5351166.