Stuart Hosts Self Defense Seminar

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – To raise awareness during national Domestic Violence Awareness month, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, hosted a series of self-defense seminars at Grogan’s Martial Arts in Edwardsville.

“Although I hope that no one ever finds themselves in a dangerous situation, these classes are empowering men, women, and children to be able to fight back against their attacker and protect themselves and their loved ones from any harm,” Stuart said. “I think these classes are especially important for women, given the growing problem with sexual harassment and assault that we are currently facing both in our nation and in our own state.”

Stuart is also holding a drive for the Phoenix Crisis Center in Granite City, one of few domestic violence shelters in the Metro East. The Center has requested cleaning supplies, conditioner, sheets and towels among other supplies. Stuart’s constituent services office, located at 2105 Vandalia St. in Collinsville, serves as a drop off location.

“Every person should have the skills to protect themselves in any situation, and the team at Grogan’s Martial Arts did a fantastic job of teaching all who were in attendance the skills and mechanisms necessary to protect themselves,” Stuart continued. “I hope that people will continue to donate to the Phoenix Crisis Center and look forward to continuing to supporting women and children as state Representative.”