Learn self defense at workshop

Developing a personal safety plan is part of the free Women's Self Defense Workshop being sponsored by Safe Daughters, a nonprofit organization.

The five-session program, which begins on Wednesday, is designed to reduce the risk of sexual assault. It emphasizes prevention and awareness, and teaches basic street self-defense techniques.

The course includes information about sexual assault myths and facts; prevention and awareness; date rape and date rape drugs; college campus safety; effective verbalization skills; and home, parking lot and mall safety.

Hands-on basic street self-defense techniques will be taught by American Women's Self Defense Association certified instructors. Students may participate in a simulated attack situation. The program is open to women and girls age 12 and older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Funding from the Barrington Area Community Foundation and the Barrington Junior Women's Club has enabled the course to be offered free of charge, provided participants attend all five sessions. A deposit of $100 per person is required for registration. Deposits of those not attending all sessions will be donated to the American Women's Self Defense Association, a nonprofit organization.

The workshop will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Oct. 24 at Lake Zurich Family Martial Arts, 215 South Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Class size is limited. To register for the workshop, or for more information, call (847) 331-2977.