Although being prepared with self defense tactics is important to boosting one's personal safety, avoiding dangerous situations is even more imperative. With that in mind, police in Natchez, Mississippi, are holding a seminar aimed at equipping people with the knowledge to protect themselves and increase awareness, the Natchez Democrat reports.
The two hour class is aimed primarily at women, as the organizers said they are targeted more often by potential attackers. According to the news source, one violent crime occurs every five seconds in the United States, and the officers teaching the class hopes that similar events will help reduce that number.
"The goal of this program is to empower women with tools to maintain personal safety and to successfully confront and survive potentially dangerous situations," a sheriff’s office press release said.
Along with tips such as avoidance techniques and how to used improvised weapons, a subsequent class will offer advice on how to use self defense devices. One especially effective item is pepper spray. When discharged into the face of an attacker, it will make it difficult for them to see and breathe, allowing a victim to get to safety.