Women who want to learn more about self-defense and protecting their families are invited to a free public demonstration next month aimed at doing just that.
The Weekend Warrior Workshop will features numerous organizations, ranging from Krav Maga with Greg Cochran and other self defense demonstrations, self defense tools designed for women, law enforcement and even an educational family section designed to talk to kids about boundaries and tricky situations through books.
"It helps kids recognize those heart signals and what to do in those situations, when they get that pit in their stomach or fluttering heart and how to get out of that situation, say no and tell a safe adult," said Christy Dove, Independent Damsel Director at Damsels in Defense. "The statistics are one in four girls and one in six boys are victims of sexual abuse; 70 percent under the age of 17 and 95 percent know their abusers. It's not 'Stranger Danger' anymore."
Damsel in Defense is the line that features the children's books and some of the women's safety gear. The Smile Campaign, which focuses on bullying and suicide, will join local law enforcement and the other organizations at the event.
The event is in conjunction with National Crime Victim's Rights Week. "We're kind of using that theme to bring awareness to the community and have different resources out there and help them protect themselves and their families," said Dove.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 on the downtown Gainesville Square.
Thursday
April 25th, 2024
2:31AM
