Women can and do fight back!

For every rape that is completed thirteen are successfully fought off. The successful defender in real life rarely carries a weapon, but wins through a combination of quick thinking, verbal assertiveness, yelling, and/or some kind of physical resistance: biting, punching and/or kicking. Sometimes other people come to her aid, usually because she makes a loud enough fuss.

According to the book Her Wits About Her, Self Defense Success Stories by Women, "Self-defense education helps women demystify myths about sexual violence and to act against violence.

Combining verbal and physical techniques increases women's strength. In an attack situation, using your voice transforms fear into anger into power by pushing energy out at an attacker."

The Sylvania Women's Resource Center offers a free eight hour self defense program for women twice a year during Fall and Spring terms. The program is taught by Sydney Thompson. Sydney has over twelve years experience teaching women and girls self defense. The program covers basic street fighting techniques, assertiveness training and safety planning. The program is free, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required.

Click here to view dates and times of upcoming classes.