LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--“Prevention is possible” is not merely the mantra of April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but truth in action for many women, teens and young girls who will take part in Krav Maga Worldwide’s Women’s Empowerment Seminars on April 16 and 17. Created to teach practical self-defense skills, like how to assess environmental risks, avoid dangerous situations and fight off attackers, the seminars also build inner confidence and promote safety and self-awareness. Seminars are free-of-charge, sponsored through a joint program between Krav Maga Worldwide (KMW) and its non-profit partner Krav Maga Association of America. Additionally, KMW affiliates across the country will host various seminars throughout April to educate local communities on effective self-protection techniques and help eliminate sexual violence.
Sexual assault remains a serious and widespread problem. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center estimates nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced an attempted rape or rape. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 44% of sexual assault victims are under age 18, 80% are under age 30, and approximately 4 out of 5 victims know their assailants.
“While our seminars teach participants how to physically defend against an attack, they focus on more than merely learning hand-to-hand combat techniques,” said KMW-certified instructor Kelly Campbell. “Knowing how to break out of a bear hug or other grasp is essential, but women need to develop the confidence to fight back first. This can be especially hard for survivors who have experienced ongoing oppression or abuse, who never received positive support, or who suffer feelings of guilt or shame. We teach participants that the best defense is to start fighting back right away, but the power to do this doesn’t come from muscles or physical force, it comes from inner strength.”
Women interested in attending an empowerment seminar during Sexual Assault Awareness Month can find information and sign up at local training centers by visiting http://www.kravmaga.org/2016-saam. Space is limited, so advance sign-ups are recommended.
For more information about Krav Maga Association of America, please visit www.kravmaga.org.. Additional information about Krav Maga Worldwide can be found at www.kravmaga.com.