The county’s Commission for Women will offer self-defense classes in March and April, officials announced.
Four in-person seminars will begin on Saturday, March 18, focusing on “Introduction to Women’s Self-Defense.” The S.A.F.E. (Self-defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange) seminars are two-hour “samplers” for women of all ages and abilities that are taught by Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.)-certified instructors, according to a press release.
Seminars are exclusively for women and require pre-registration. The cost is $12 per participant. The class is open to women ages 13-17, but they must be accompanied by an adult woman who is also registered.
Training will be provided on risk management, crime prevention, and crime awareness. A 13-piece student folio will be provided to participants with information regarding how to reduce the risk of exposure to violence and how to escape it. Additionally, participants will learn some physical aspects of self-defense.
The self-defense seminars will be offered at the following locations:
- Saturday, March 18, 1-3 p.m., Longwood Community Recreation Center, 19300 Georgia Ave., Brookeville
- Tuesday, March 22, 7-9 p.m., Plum Gar Community Recreation Center, 19561 Scenery Drive, Germantown
- Wednesday, March 28, 7-9 p.m., Mid-County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring
- Wednesday, April 5, 7-9 p.m., White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring
Each class must have a minimum of 10 participants. Information and class registration are available online.
There is also a self-defense course available for men, but it is not offered by the Commission for Women at this time. Those interested in attending a men’s class should call (240) 777-8300.
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