Self-Defense Class For Teen Girls Kicks Off In Citrus Heights
CITRUS HEIGHTS (CBS13) - Teenagers in Citrus Heights are taking matters into their own hands to fight off bullying and sexual assault crimes.
The new self-defense training workshop kicked off today and is teaching young girls how to stand strong in any tough situation.
Teens of all ages were punching, kicking and learning how to defend themselves in case of an emergency. Smart and Strong is a new self-defense workshop hoping to build confidence in young women who might be faced with a tough situation.
"Most of us have been have been sexually assaulted either as a teen or as an adult, and so our motivation here at the DVIC is to be proactive and responsive," said Elaine Whitefeather, an instructor at the Domestic Violence Intervention Center.
Officials say in today's world bullying and rape and abusive relationships are more common than ever among teens, which is why a workshop like this can help save lives.
"We know that girls 13-17 are at the highest risk of intimate partner violence or dating violence," said Whitefeather.
Young girls can learn different techniques on how to fight off a possible attacker.
"They are going to learn how to increase their senses -- see, hear, feel, scents, smell -- and how be aware of their surroundings. How to build strength and confidence in them to be able to empower themselves and stand up for themselves," said Donna Vandolah, an instructor.
One survivor we spoke to says the class would have been helpful to her at a young age.
"It will raise their self-esteem and their self-awareness. Self-awareness is 70% of the issue," she said.
Smart and Strong is more than just a program.
"It's really about teaching kids that being smart isn't a nerdy kind a thing and being strong is not bulking up and being strong but being aware on how to protect yourself -- how to kick, block, throw a punch left right," said Valdonah.
Classes are offered each month. The workshops are held at the Domestic Violence Intervention Center in Citrus Heights.
