CHICAGO – To help equip local women with skills they can use to protect themselves during life-threatening situations, state Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, is hosting a free Women’s Self-Defense Seminar on Monday, Nov. 6 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mayfair Library, located at 4400 W. Lawrence Ave. in Chicago.
“Our seminar will help to equip local women with potentially lifesaving techniques to defend against attacks,” said D’Amico. “My hope is that this seminar will not only teach attendees new ways to help defend themselves, but also initiate a community-wide discussion to generate awareness and encourage survivors of attacks to report these crimes to law enforcement.”
Sgt. Larry Lindenman, a former Illinois State Police officer and self-defense instructor, will lead the seminar and teach attendees how to increase awareness and remove oneself from a dangerous situation. Participants do not need to wear athletic clothing since the seminar will consist only of a lecture.
Overall, women are 21 times more likely than men to experience a sexual assault. In 2010, approximately 143,000 women survived a sexual assault and an additional 126,000 women survived an attempted or threatened sexual assault, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics.
“A violent attack can occur at any time and anywhere, which is why having self-defense skills is so important,” D’Amico continued. “In addition to holding events like this, I am committed to advocating for public safety issues in Springfield in order to help keep our families safe.”
Rep John D’Amico 
(D-Chicago)
15th District
Springfield Office:
279-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8198
(217) 782-2906 FAX
District Office:
4404 W. Lawrence Avenue
Chicago, IL 60630
(773) 736-0218
(773) 736-2333 FAX