May is Sexual Violence Prevention Month, and the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (CKSACC) is marking the month with a special class.
It has teamed up with the Chatham-Kent Coordinating Committee to End Violence Against Women to host a self-defence workshop for women and girls on Saturday, May 17.
"There's over a thousand events every year of sexual violence just in Chatham-Kent, and so we decided we needed to do this workshop again. We did it last year, it's self-defence for women and girls," said Linda Soulliere, Executive Director of the CKSACC. "The workshop will offer women self-defence techniques for real-life situations and how to improve their awareness and avoid danger."
The workshop is free, and will take place at the Kent Athletic Youth Organization (KAYO) at 340 Richmond St. in Chatham from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
"It's never the victim's responsibility to prevent harm, but we want women to be prepared," said Soulliere. "In this workshop, you also learn how to get out of zip ties if somebody's trying to take you, and you learn how to be more aware of your surroundings and how to avoid those situations. "
All participants will receive a t-shirt and a light lunch, but space is limited. Women and girls who are interested can register online at https://cksacc.org/event/svpm-self-defense-workshop/.
The CKSACC will also host a symbolic funeral procession and memorial in Chatham on Saturday, May 31, for the women and children lost to femicide.
The procession will begin and 325 Grand Ave. E. at 11 a.m. and make its way to the Chatham Courthouse at 425 Grand Ave. W. at 11:30 a.m.