POWERING UP WITH SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES
Strategies for women, hope for the best, plan otherwise
Strategies for women, hope for the best, plan otherwise
Almost one in five women will experience some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. But there are tactics for increasing personal safety, and to fight back if need be. All of these issues and more are covered in a variety of women’s self-defense classes throughout Southwest Florida. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office, for instance, provides programs such as the two-hour Safe Class, designed for women 13 years and older, a PowerPoint presentation that provides defense tips and tactics specifically for women. Cost is $5 and group classes are generally 15 to 20 women, but smaller groups are welcomed. “We will come to homes, centers, clubhouses, places of worship and meeting rooms, just to teach the class,” says Margaret (Peggy) Lince, a crime prevention specialist with the sheriff’s department.
Safe Class and other programs also teach us to be aware of our surroundings, to have “a plan in place,” says Michelle Sargis, also a crime prevention specialist with Lee County.
Other tips discussed at Safe Class are where to safely carry a purse and keys, and potential weapons that we carry that could be used in defense against an attacker.
In the FBI’s compilation of national crime statistics, it was reported in 2015 that there was a 3.9 percent increase in violent crimes. Learning personal safety strategies makes a lot of sense for both men and women, law enforcement authorities insist. With this in mind, another class offered through the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is Personal Safety, which is open to men and women. This one-hour class is also taught upon request, and there is no cost. The class focuses on safety in and away from home. “When I teach the Personal Safety class, I also go over active-shooter situations,” adds Lince, which law agencies insist is unlikely but remains a troublesome aspect of modern America.
For those in Charlotte County, the sheriff’s office, Charlotte County Community Services and Shuman’s ATA Martial Arts collectively offer help in self-defense. A two-hour class is geared to those 18 and up and who are Charlotte County residents (picture ID required). This free class is offered at various times. Registration is at Charlotte County sheriff’s offices. The old standby of "better safe than sorry" is affirmed. “The method
Also covered in the class is how to function during stress and during the shock of a sudden, violent encounter.
of stun and run is taught with emphasis on locating different pressure points that can help a woman get away from an attacker,” says Dale Phillips, with the Charlotte County Crime Prevention Department, adding that this particular class is hands-on. It is important to dress in comfortable workout clothing (no shorts), and to wear softsoled, closed-toe shoes, no jewelry and to bring water, Phillips says.
Shuman’s, with locations in Port Charlotte and North Port, offers self-defense classes for men and women that can be learned in the shortest possible time. Also covered in the class is how to function during stress and during the shock of a sudden, violent encounter.
While crime and violence are always issues, it’s comforting that law enforcement and its partners are ready to ease the stress and provide the tools to make us safer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Charlotte County Community Services, Port Charlotte. 941-625PLAY (7529), charlottecountyfl.gov
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Prevention Department, Punta Gorda. 941-639-2101, ccso.org
Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Prevention Programs and Services, Fort Myers. 239-477-1000, sheriffleefl.org/main
Port Charlotte Beach Complex, Port Charlotte. 941-625-7529, charlottecountyfl.gov
Shuman’s ATA Martial Arts (two locations). 941-255-KICK (5425), 941-423-9400, shumansata.com
PROTECTION TIPS
Use the buddy system, walking, driving or parking. While most sexual crimes are committed by someone you know within a mile of home, according to police agencies, random violence happens. And crooks don’t like groups.
Keep online business private. Sharing too many details is considered unwise.
Keep aware. Many of us are simply too trusting of people and situations. Decline invitations to places that seem sketchy, keep a close eye on your drink, don’t accept drinks from strangers, and steer clear of parties or situations that seem odd.
Stranger danger. Legit cops making a traffic stop understand that you want to pull over in a public place. Turn on your car flashers to acknowledge their presence.
Use protection. Encourage others to enroll in self-defense courses, that way you and your friends can learn together.