Career center sponsors self-defense class
By ABBY SLANKER
Mahoning County Career and Technical Center Adult Education offered area women a class with the opportunity to learn how to defend themselves and learn how to prevent an attack. The free P.R.O.T.E.C.T. Women’s Self Defense Class was held at the school Oct. 14 with 40 women participating.
The three-hour Personal Response Options Tactically Effective Counter Techniques (P.R.O.T.E.C.T.) class was split into two components.
The first two hours were classroom time focused on the mental side of defense, with emphasis on precaution, safety and how to get into the survival mindset. The last hour gave the women the opportunity to experience hands-on techniques and learn simple tips on what to do if attacked.
“We thought this would be an excellent course for the community with the opportunity to learn from trained Canfield Police Department personnel. We set up the course a number of years ago and have been offering it ever since,” said Kathy Schlarb, MCCTC adult education supervisor.
The women learned tips from instructor and Canfield Police Department Sgt./Assistant Chief Scott Weamer on what to do in certain situations. They were advised to use common sense and, if in doubt, ask questions and ask for identification.
Weamer told the women to keep their keys ready when they are getting into their cars and their houses. He also stressed to the class that it should always having situation awareness, meaning being aware of your surroundings at all times.
“What makes this program unique is the focus on the mental aspect. The idea is to stress prevention,” said Weamer.
Weamer also advised the women that many police departments will do a vacation check while families are away.
“Call your local police department to ask if they offer vacation checks and take advantage of it if they do. The Canfield Police Department offers vacation checks and a patrol car will drive by your house to check every day while you are away,” Weamer said.