Mauldin Police Work to Offer Self-Defense Class for Women

The Mauldin Police Department is planning to offer self-defense classes for women.

The classes would offer classroom instruction as well as hand-to-hand combat, said a Greenville News report (subscription may be required).

The classes would be led by Detective Sgt. Jason Peterson, who has been trained in the Rape Aggression Defense program. He is currently trying to raise $3,800 for a special suit to be worn by the person who will role-play as the aggressor in the classes, the report said.

The classes are being planned based on community demand, though the prevalence of reported sexual assaults in the city has been on the decline.  

The number of reported rapes in 2012 was four, down from seven rapes in 2011. Aggravated assaults also dropped last year from 2011, from 43 to 35, according to the report.

The course teaches basic self-defense with an emphasis on education, including risk awareness and crime-prevention strategies.

For more information or to donate money to help buy the suit, contact Peterson at 864-289-8983 or jpeterson@mauldinpolice.com.

More here.