Free self-defence workshop offered to women in Guelph after police report rise in sexual assaults
The workshop is April 13 at the Delta Marriott in Guelph
A Guelph martial arts studio is fighting to keep the community safe.
Guelph Family Martial Arts is hosting a free self-defence workshop for women in hopes of equipping them with the tools to protect themselves in worst-case scenarios.
This comes after an increase of sexual assaults reported in the city last month.
"I think there's just been a lot of troubling things that have happened in the area," said Nathan Skoufis, owner of the studio.
"We were getting different community leaders, organizations, individuals that were calling and emailing and coming in the studio and talking about it."
According to Guelph police, on March 14, a stranger sexually assaulted a young woman around 6 a.m. while she was walking home. She was taken into a vehicle and assaulted.
"That was on a Friday and then the following Monday, we had a young woman who was followed by a stranger and was the victim of a sexual assault at the intersection of Speedvale Avenue and the Hanlon Expressway," said Guelph police media relations co-ordinator Scott Tracey.
That assault happened in the middle of the afternoon, with dozens of witnesses stepping in to help.
Police have made arrests in both assaults.
Prior to the two assaults, Guelph police also notified the public of a high-risk offender being released into the community.
"Included on his record was sexual assaults on strangers," Tracey said.
Though the offender was not involved with the two assaults, Guelph police posted a reminder of safety tips including:
- Walk with a purposeful stride. Know where you are going and walk with confidence.
- Avoid isolated areas and try to use high-traffic, well-lit routes.
- Don't let other people get too close, even if they appear to have a reason such as asking for the time.
Tracey confirmed that women are more frequently, and almost exclusively, the victims of sexual assaults in the area.
Making an impact
After receiving an overwhelming response to a social media post about the idea of the self-defence classes, Skoufis chose to start with a big workshop.
It will feature how to defend against wrist grabs, front and back chokes, as well as what to do if someone grabs your hair from the back.
"We've heard people [say] that they don't feel comfortable going on a walk, they don't feel comfortable walking their dog, they don't feel comfortable doing things on their own," said Skoufis.
Currently a member of Team Canada's kickboxing team and a sixth degree blackbelt, Skoufis adds that the basics are more than enough for people to feel safer out in the community.
The workshop is happening April 13 in the conference centre at the Delta Marriott in Guelph from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
While teaching the moves is the main focus, Skoufis says building confidence and a sense of community is just as essential.
"I think it's very important, especially as a woman, to have a little bit of knowledge if someone does attack you because the first thing is to freeze up," said Nathan's mother Sophie.
"It really would make a difference. Just awareness and a little self-defence goes a long way."
The workshop is open to anyone, including people who aren't Guelph residents. People interested are asked to contact the studio before the event.
In the future, Skoufis said, they plan to open the offering to men as well with a variety of classes to come.
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