D’Amico Self-Defense Seminar Helps Teach Residents How to Defend Themselves

CHICAGO – State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, continued his efforts to increase community vigilance by hosting a self-defense seminar on Tuesday at the Mayfair library in Chicago.

“Although I hope that no one ever finds themselves in a situation where self defense is required, this class empowered women with skills necessary to fight back against any attacker,” D’Amico said. “Lt. Lindenman did an excellent job of explaining how changing awareness to your surroundings and body posture can help fend off a potential attacker.”

Retired Illinois State Police Lt. Larry Lindenman provided attendees an overview on crime prevention, awareness of one’s surroundings and how to apply basic self-defense techniques if an attack occurs.

D’Amico provided the seminar in response to the staggering number of sexual assaults and attacks every year.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 143,000 women per year are victims of sexual assault. Another 126,000 women are victims of attempted or threatened sexual assault. Overall, women are five times more likely than men to be victims of all types of violent crime.