The Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (CKSACC) will once again host a self-defence workshop for women and girls.
The free event will take place at the WISH Centre in Chatham on Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m., and will be led by an instructor from Wallaceburg Martial Arts.
"She's worked with us before," said Kayla Coates, a support worker for CKSACC. "It'll just be some basic self-defence techniques, how to make space, maybe some fun little activities that she'll throw in this year. It's accessible to all."
The workshop is open to all ages, but some heavy topics will be discussed.
"Obviously, there's going to be some discussion about a bit more of those heavy topics of why we're doing the self-defence," said Coates. "But we do think that for prevention efforts to emphasize that part of the month, it's important for all ages and all people to have these discussions."
May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month, and Coates says that sexual violence statistics are rising.
"Right now, we're sitting at about one-in-three women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime, and only about 10 per cent of these ever get reported," said Coates. "So the problem is a lot bigger than it might seem on the surface."
Coates added that's why the CKSACC offers several services and supports for women in the community.
"So our primary services are our 24/7 crisis line that's available to anyone who's maybe experienced sexual assault or is looking to support someone whose experience sexual assault," said Coates. "Then we also offer short and long-term counselling services."
Participants can show up on the day of the Self-Defence Workshop, or register in advance online at https://cksacc.org/event/self-defense-workshop/.
