Staying Safe, Strong Focus Of Upcoming Hazlet Program For Girls

HAZLET, NJ — As high school girls move on to college, work, and new social situations, awareness of their own safety is crucial, police here say.

And the Hazlet Police Department is again offering a free program to educate - and empower - young women.

Registration for "Smart Strong Safe" is now open, the department announced.

The two-session program - geared to older high school girls - educates young women to recognize dangerous situations and get themselves out of them, the department says.

The program is in collaboration with 180 Turning Lives Around and Bayshore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

The department poses these questions to families: Is your daughter going to prom this year? Will she be going to the Shore the weekend after? Did she start a job which will have her working late hours? Is she going away to college and you are so proud, but also nervous?

"Don’t just be concerned about your daughter’s safety, do something about it," police advise, by signing her up for the program.

The workshops include discussion of such issues as sexual assault, relationship violence and self defense, and can provide a greater awareness of the skills needed to stay safe, Hazlet says.

Here is the program information:

• Day 1: Friday, April 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hazlet Township Court Room, 255 Middle Road. The program begins with an educational piece presented by 180 on relationship violence, drug-facilitated sexual assault and other warning signs of potentially dangerous situations young people put themselves in- most often without even realizing it. There is no dress code for this night; parents are welcome to sit in.
• Day 2: Sunday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bayshore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gym, 1444 Route 36, Hazlet, 07730. (Hazlet Pavilion near Powerhouse Gym), This day instructors from Bayshore BJJ will teach basic yet valuable hands-on skills of self-defense. These techniques can be used to increase attendees' ability to avoid, respond and escape a sexual predator. Comfortable gym/sport attire is recommended. Arrive by 9:45 a.m.

The program is directed toward young women in high school, and any high school-age girl is welcome with parental permission. The department notes that some residents go to schools out of town and may have friends from out of town. It will not turn away anyone looking to take this program and encourages local girls to tell their friends.

More information and registration is available here:

• https://hazletpd.seamlessdocs.com/f/smartstrongsafe
• Or email Clogothetis@hazletpd.org with any questions.