Self-defense is top priority at annual Howell seminar

HOWELL - Angela Goldberg of Howell can rest a little easier now that she knows her 15-year-old daughter will be able to defend herself in the event of an attack.

On Oct. 17 Goldberg and her daughter attended the annual women's self-defense training seminar that is sponsored by the Howell municipal alliance, the Howell Chamber of Commerce, the Howell Police Department and the Southard Fire Department. The training session was held at the Southard firehouse, Route 9.

While they were at the firehouse with about 80 other participants they learned basic techniques that would help them to flee from an attacker, as well as ways to avoid and detect dangerous surroundings.

Women lined up as they punched and kicked at male body figures. They yelled "No!" as they threw blows at the instructors who posed as attackers.

According to Anna Ornstein, who coordinates the annual event, the program is about keeping people safe. Since 2002, members of the Howell Police Department have been donating their time and expertise in order to teach women how to stay safe.

Ornstein said she was inspired to start the seminar after she listened to a talk show and learned that (thousands of) women can expect to be raped in their lifetime. Ornstein said she called the police department to ask if some type of self-defense seminar could be offered to local women.

The training session costs $10 for adults and $5 for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. It is directed by Howell Police Officer Fred Bauer, who said that over the course of the program "we have reached out to over 1,000 women."

The most critical information that is provided is to tell the women "to be aware of their surroundings," Bauer said. "We teach them three basic hand strikes, which is a stiff finger jab, chin jab and tiger claw. We teach all of the women here to aim for the eyes, throat, groin and get out."

According to Bauer, "one out of every eight women is involved in a violent attack, with 25 percent of those attacks taking place in a motor vehicle." He said he wants to help women avoid becoming victims by teaching them to tap into their sixth sense.

Bauer encourages the women to listen to their instincts and said, "If something does not feel right, trust it. It's not right."

Janine Masterson, 16, of Howell, said she would definitely trust her instincts and use what she learned in the seminar.

"Nowadays pretty much anybody is a psycho. This seminar has taught me to be more aware of my environment and to pay close attention," Janine said.

Joanne Fontana of Howell said she gained confidence and added, "I will not be afraid to hit an attacker if they approach me."

In addition to gaining confidence and learning to become more aware of their surroundings, the women learned about the drugs GHB synthetic depressant, which is also known as a date rape drug, and the popular "club drug" Ecstasy.

According to Ornstein, the self-defense program is held every fall and the proceeds collected are donated to 180 Turning Lives Around, a nonprofit agency that is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault.

Ornstein said she will continue to run the seminar and would like to see it expand to other municipalities.