Local Women Learn Self-Defense After Recent Attacks On Joggers

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.