EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) – Oregon State University’s public safety officers have teamed up with a martial arts studio in Eugene to host a weekend women’s self-defense class.
As attacks on women continue to go unsolved around the campus of Oregon State University, the school’s public safety officers are trying to help community members regain a sense of control. They have teamed up with a martial arts studio in Eugene to host a weekend women’s self-defense class.
A new crime report for OSU shows there were fifteen sexual assaults on or around campus in 2011. Most attackers are familiar with their victims, but about one in ten sexual assaults involve a stranger.
During the class, women will learn basic skills to protect themselves and to gain self-confidence.
Robert Brown, OSU Safety Department Coordinator, says it takes work to be able to fight off an attacker but this class is a perfect place for beginners to start.
“It’s not usually tough guys who are in martial arts classes; it’s usually the people who don’t feel tough. So, we’re starting from a position where we have to build them up,” Brown said.
The class is open to those 12 years and older. The class is free but donations will be accepted for the Womenspace women’s shelter and Sexual Assault Support Services.
The class meets Saturday, March 2, from 2 to 5 PM at the David Leung Martial Arts Academy on West 7th Avenue in Eugene.
