Attendees learn self-defense at a self-defense class that was held at Mt.SAC on Oct.27. Photo by: Erika Henry.
On Oct. 27 a sexual assault self-defense workshop was held at Mt.SAC. The workshop was put on by Mt. SAC Student Health Services and Project Sister. Crystal Miranda, a volunteer from Project Sister, headed the self-defense workshop. Project Sister is a non-profit organization that helps victims of sexual assault and abuse.
“Self defense is you doing whatever you have to do to get out of a situation alive,” said Miranda.
Project Sister’s main focus is prevention. Miranda said that prevention includes being aware of your surroundings and in case of an emergency, knowing cross streets and your exact location.
“No matter what and even if you’re scared of doing something that would hurt that person really bad,” said Ana Gallegos, 19, counseling major. “You’re doing it for yourself and for you own protection.”
Miranda continued that perpetrators look for victims who are not aware of their surroundings. Also, that if a woman is assaulted, she should pay attention to the perpetrators height, weight, and if they have tattoos or piercings; anything that cannot change drastically in a short amount of time.
She then gave a demonstration of how to properly wear a backpack. She said that students should wear a backpack with only one strap on their shoulder, not both.
“When you wear both straps you can be easily manipulated,” said Miranda. “With one strap the victim can slip out of their backpack.”
Miranda continued by demonstrating the defense position; one foot forward, one foot back. She then showed the students how to properly make a fist. Roll the fingers down in your hand and put your thumb over your fingers. Next, Miranda demonstrated how to properly punch. First, hit with the flat of your fist and pop your fist.
After, Miranda demonstrated how to properly kick.
“When you kick, lift your leg and push their knee in,” said Miranda, “Do not use your toes. You’ll break them.”
Oct. 27 a sexual-defense class was held at Mt.SAC for all those who wanted to learn self- defense. Photo by:Erika Henry.
Miranda then had the participants get into partners and face each other in two lines. She proceeded to show different techniques to fight back against a sexual assault.
Assault: If someone comes up and chocks you from behind.
Self-Defense: Put your arms together in the air, against your ears, as tight as you can, and turn to the side fast. The perpetrator will then let go.
Assault: If someone is chocking you from the front.
Self-Defense: Put your arms straight up, turn your body, and bring your arms straight down in a “L” shape over both of the perpetrators arms.
Or…
Bring your arms between the perpetrators and put your arms straight up and out, knocking their arms off of your neck.
Assault: For someone a lot bigger and stronger than you that is chocking you from the front.
Self-Defense: Grab onto both of their hands and look for one of their fingers. Once you get a hold of one of their fingers, let go of their other hand and hold onto that one finger. With your other hand, go under their arm and hold onto their wrist (that is holding onto the finger). Now, bow straight forward and snap their finger.
Assault: If someone grabs your wrist.
Self-Defense: Pull your arm away from your body, up and over; away from your body, not towards your body.
Assault: If you are put in a headlock.
Self-Defense: When the perpetrators have their arm around your neck, grab their elbow with both of your hands and pull down. When you pull their elbow down, simultaneously pull your chin down and tuck your head in. Now the perpetrator will not be chocking you and you will be able to breathe and think about your next move. This would be the time to bite or hit the perpetrator.
Assault: If the perpetrator has you, the victim, on the ground.
Self-Defense: First, cross your legs and squeeze tight. The perpetrator will not be able to spread your legs and they will have to take their hands off yours if they want to try. Once they let go of their hands, cup your hands and smack the perpetrator over their ears. Next, dig your thumbs into their eyes from the inside out and scratch down their face. Now, you will be able to push them off and run.
Erinn Grotefend
News Editor
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