Eastern Michigan University Student Government hosted a self defense class in the Student Center Ballroom on Jan. 31, from 5-7 p.m. The class was taught by Officer Candace Dorsey, EMU Department of Public Safety.
"This is part of the week long effort to raise sexual assault awareness and prevention on campus," said Kangkana Koli, Student Government Director of Social Justice.
Officer Dorsey taught students fighting stances and defensive techniques as a precautions measure for if violent or threatening altercations take place. The techniques are mainly geared towards women avoiding assault, and measures to take if they feel threatened by men. Dorsey also taught the students how to punch, kick and release themselves from the grip of an attacker.
"Lets say you're walking on campus late at night and you're on the phone with you're mom who lives in Saginaw. She can help you defend yourself, you have to always be cautious and prepared, " said Dorsey.
Dorsey gave advice of being aware of surroundings when walking on campus late at night, such as keeping earphones off and using the speaker phone when making a phone call while walking alone.
"Earphones block your hearing. You want to hear is someone is behind you and how long they've been behind you," said Dorsey.
Students were able to practice the their newly learned self defense moves on each other under the officer's supervision. As the event concluded, Dorsey encouraged students to sign up for her self defense course.
"I teach self defense classes all year around. It's a one credit hour university course. This is just a intro to things that we learn in my classes.=," she continued.
For anyone interested in a self defense class, search Rape Aggression Defense PEGN157 on Emich.edu more information will also be posted in the Student Government Facebook and Instagram page: emustudentgovernment.