Women equipped to protect themselves in self-defence classes

Women from ethnic minorities are being given the opportunity to learn self defence through classes arranged by Northamptonshire Police neighbourhood teams.

Thanks to funding provided by the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, a series of sessions are being held at the BST Academy and Kettering Mosque until October.

Two sessions that have already taken place were well attended by women from across the County.

The self defence classes form part of crucial work being carried out by officers around the force’s Violence Against Women and Girls matter of priority.

Faith Liaison Officer Sophia Perveen who organised the classes, said: “We have a number of free sessions that we would encourage women to take advantage of. We want all women in our communities to feel safe and have access to safety training.

“However, we recognise that some women may face cultural barriers to accessing these services and so we have arranged these classes taking into account cultural and religious considerations.

“The classes will equip ladies with basic self-defence techniques, avoidance, awareness and breakaway techniques.”

Further events have been organised with communities across the county. If you want to know more about your local neighbourhood policing teams you can sign up to neighbourhood alerts here. 

You can also email the team here [email protected]

Photographs include Superintendent Rachel Handford and Sergeant Rodney Williams joined by self-defence instructor and community at our events held at BST Academy in Northampton.