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News

Students learn self-defense

Presentation taught prevention tips, warning signs, and target areas

by KHYATI PATEL
The Daily Cougar

Students gained information on how to defend themselves against an attacker Thursday at a free lesson on defense strategies sponsored by Students Against Violence Everywhere. As a former UH student, instructor Jim McCoy talked about violent crimes and how to prevent them. The most violent crime that occurs is rape.

"Seventy percent of rape that is committed is by a person (the victim knows)," he said. 

If an attacker is approaching, a student should move to a well-lit area and get out of isolation.

After the lesson, the students in the class did some practices on the strikes McCoy demonstrated. 

SAVE President Tuyet Linh Tu and Vice President Max Ivanitzki, co-founders of the UH chapter, were also present in the class.

Some of the strikes he mentioned are open palm to chin thrust, upward knee kick and hitting the radial nerve in the hand, which will damage the hand for two to three weeks. 

Using the forearm and hitting the side of the neck will weaken the attacker's body and give the victim a chance to flee, McCoy said. 

Students also learned the danger signs of a potential rapist, such as bullying, hostile or threatening language, negative behavior or comments, and alcohol and drug abuse.

Participants in the class said the lessons were helpful, but could have gone further.

"These techniques will make me better prepared in a situation, but not safe. What if (the attackers) have a gun?" nutrition sophomore Amber Roach said.

Business freshman Dawn Winston said she appreciated the instruction. 

"It's scary here at the University at dark. It's also good that this class was free. Others are so expensive," she said.
 

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