Self-defense class focuses on stopping sex assault
Lawmaker hosts Richmond Hill crash course on how to combat attackers on the street
BY EMILY DAVENPORT
April is Sexual Assault
Awareness Month, and before
the month concluded, one
local senator made sure to
educate the public on how
they can protect themselves
from attacks.
On April 25, state Senator
James Sanders Jr. hosted
his fourth annual Sexual
Assault Defense Training
at the Richmond Hill Block
Association. The event aimed
to educate members of the
community on how to protect
themselves from becoming the
victim of a sexual assault.
“Sexual assault is a serious
crime that affects the physical
and emotional well-being of
survivors long after the attack
is over,” Sanders said. “We
are here to raise awareness
of this type of violence and
do our part to educate as
many people as we can in
an effort to prevent future
incidents from occurring,
and to encourage those who
have been victimized to
seek help.”
The event offered
information and resources for
survivors including support
services, counseling, and legal
rights. The main highlight
from the event was offered
by Michael Botier of the Red
Dawn Combat Club, who
hosted a live demonstration
of self defense skills and
safety procedures.
Botier and four of his
students demonstrated how
to fight off an attacker,
and how to break free from
being choked, pinned to
the ground or trapped in a
small space such as a car or
apartment. The key points
that Botier told attendees of
defense are grip, position
and escape. Attendees had
the opportunity to practice
the moves they learned
with Botier.
Attendees also heard
from Sergeant Christopher
Winiarz of the 102nd Precinct,
who discussed the legality of
a sexual assault. According
to Winiarz, two of the biggest
An armbar demonstration during an April 25 sexual assault defense
training course in Richmond Hill.
Photo courtesy of State Senator James Sanders
factors are consent and
incapacitation; he explained
that once a person clearly
communicates that they do
not want a sexual act to be
initiated or continue it must
stop, or it becomes illegal.
Additionally, someone is
incapacitated to the point
where they are not able to
convey non-consent of a sexual
activity either verbally or
physically and it still occurs,
that is also illegal.
Those who attended
the workshop also heard
from Connie Pacheco,
president of Recoveries R
US, who shared her story of
sexual assault.
As a child, Pacheco was
sexually assaulted by family
members, and many years
later she would be sexually
assaulted by strangers.
Pacheco couldn’t shake the
feeling of shame and blamed
herself for being victimized,
eventually turning to drugs
in order to cope.
Pacheco eventually
sought treatment and began
self defense classes while
continuing her formal
schooling, which ultimately
boosted her self confidence.
The major turning point
for her was when Pacheco’s
now ex-husband physically
attacked her, grabbing her by
the neck and attempting to
choke her.
Pacheco fought back,
elbowing him to the face and
breaking his nose.
“I decided right then
and there – I am nobody’s
punching bag,” she said. “I
am not anyone’s possession.
I am a human being. I am a
woman. I have a lot to offer,
and I matter.”
Extended and weekend hours for
primary care at our Bayside location.
Call 718-631-0500 to make an appointment
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TIMESLEDGER,8 MAY 3-9, 2019 QNS.COM
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