A hot topic in the Capital City are crimes against women. The Richland County Sheriff's department is now offering a self defense class for ladies all summer.
Some Midlands women learned how to defend themselves on Saturday, while working on ways to protect themselves from a possible attack by a perpetrator. Instructor and Lieutenant Heidi Scott says the class can benefit every woman.
"It's very empowering," said Scott. "It teaches you a lot of skills and it helps you make good decisions when you're faced with possible dangerous events."
And those threatening events come in many ways.
Amanda Vidal will soon call South America home. She now feels more confident about traveling to a new and unknown country. She knows she might find herself in a dangerous situation.
"Be able to protect yourself and not depend on somebody else to take care of you," said Vidal. "Because you're your main source of defense."
And you don't have to be in the best physical shape.
"Get out there and assert yourself and you'll be surprised at what you'll be able to accomplish," said participant Terri Boyer.
Equipping women with the skills they need to face a possible attack is the key to the program.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department has more classes scheduled throughout the summer.
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