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St. Cloud State University
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Commentary
Self-defense knowledge can be useful, powerful for all
Published:
Thursday, February 6, 2003
Safety has always been an issue. Whether times seem more safe or less safe, it is always an issue of concern for people everywhere.
As of recently, safety has hit closer to home with various kidnappings and assaults.
Students, especially women, were victims of assault last semester. Walking home after dark was a normalcy for many students until it was brought to their attention that it might not be such a safe time to be alone when a serial assaulter was on the prowl.
Then there were the kidnappings last semester. A staggering number of students, all within a related time frame, abruptly disappeared from the towns in which they resided. Students and their loved ones were immediately alarmed by what could happen to them and the people they care about.
Recently, an SCSU student thought he was walking home innocently on his 21st birthday after a night at the bars. Little did he know he'd be randomly attacked near Q-lot.
Awareness is something that should always be present. Just because something is breaking news does not necessarily mean that action needs to be taken during that time. People should always be prepared for the worst and ready to take on any situation.
When the women near campus were assaulted, they may not have been prepared. At the time the students were kidnapped, their backs were most likely not being watched.When an SCSU student was assaulted on his birthday, the planned intentions of the night were anything but violent. Any problem at any time can occur, and students need to prepare for such situations.
Self-defense may not be the only answer to such unfortunate situations, but it certainly can't hurt. The latest self-defense courses and products, such as Mace as well as various classes available, will definitely increase awareness and improve defense techniques.
Hopefully these products and services can help decrease the number of people affected by such travesties. Students, above all, just need to be aware.
Knowledge is power, as many would say, so knowing how to defend oneself in any given situation, likely or unlikely, is quite powerful.
