‘Plain women learn self defence

Mitchell’s Plain women learned how to think about strategically defending themselves.

They took part in a personal safety and anti-gender-based violence workshop hosted in partnership by Action Society and the Mitchell’s Plain Network Opposing Abuse at Beaconvale Community Frail care centre, in Beacon Valley, on Wednesday March 15.

Trainer John Elverson from Personal Safety, a company, told the women to be aware of their surroundings in high risk areas, like parking lots and isolated areas.

He explained how they could use their bodies, voices and tools (weapons that is pepper spray or screw driver) to keep safe.

“Your voice is your most powerful tool. You can de-escalate a situation, raise an alarm and show intent in making the criminal know that you mean business,” he said.

Participant Priscilla Daniels, from Beacon Valley, said she wanted to know how to defend herself.

“It helps to at least know what to do because there are times when I feel unsafe,” she said.

Kaylynn Palm, spokesperson for Action Society, said they had partnered with the network last year, to help combat gender-based violence and abuse.

“The 70 women were trained on how to protect themselves against abuse and other violent threats,” she said.

She said that another workshop would be held soon.

Operations manager at the network, Mareldia Sonday, said it was important to equip women to help themselves and feel good about it.