OKLAHOMA CITY -
Recent attacks on
joggers in the metro area have women on high alert.
Two women were
attacked in July, a 15 year old in Oklahoma City that was knocked unconscious
and assaulted and a 20 year old in Edmond. That girl had just taken a safety seminar
before she attacked. Now more people are signing up and to learn how to fight
back.
"This could've
been me. This could have been my daughter out when she exercises," said
Sheila Kidder.
Kidder, founder of
the women's organization RunHERS, says the two recent attacks on women joggers
hit way too close to home and she wanted to host another forum for women to
learn what to do if they become victims of an attack.
7/11/2012
Related Story: Edmond Police Seek Information In Attack Of Runner Near I-35
"Women need to
really trust their instincts. We have those for a reason. If something doesn't
feel right it probably isn't," Kidder said. "You
can be a target for sexual assaults. Taking that first step and just being here
is a big deal."
An Edmond Police Lieutenant
told the women about a suspicious man they questioned, who admitted he was
looking for the perfect victim: unsuspecting, unprotected women he says who
won't fight or can't get away from an attack easily.
"We have
to talk about it and don't be scared. We're here to empower you and here to tell
you that there is a solution. We can level the playing field against men, even
though we are weaker and smaller," Defense Expert, Jennifer Gray said Saturday.
Gray told the
women about preventative measures to always take, like not running alone, don't
wear headphones and always be aware of your surroundings. Then she showed
different the scenarios any woman could face and how to escape.
7/13/2012
Related Story: OKC Police Investigate Reported Rape Of 15-year-old Girl
"I can't pull him. I'm not strong enough. So I have to use my weight,
my leverage, my base," Gray said. "They can choke you from here. If he has his
hands around your neck for 6 seconds, you fall asleep."
Seconds are
critical, but women need to know what to do, try and remain calm and focused so
you can get free, get to your feet and get help.
"It just kind of
shows you how easy it is to defend against someone without using strength,"
said Gray.
"It's every woman,
whether you're just jogging or going to the grocery store or going to work,
it's being aware of your surroundings," Kidder said.
An Edmond Police Lieutenant told the women about a suspicious man they questioned, who admitted he was looking for the perfect victim: unsuspecting, unprotected women he says who won't fight or can't get away from an attack easily.
