Women and girls 13 years and older are being invited to a free self-defence class in Port Moody this Thursday (April 13).
It's being hosted by local police (PMPD) and collaborated with city recreation staff ahead of, what's known in B.C., as prevention of violence against women week.
Recognized annually during the third full week of April, the province is set to raise awareness and provide tips on personal safety and crime prevention.
Roughly 20,000 women in B.C. every year experience some form of relationship violence.
Half of all of Canadian women have been victims of sexual or physical violence at one point in their lives, added B.C.'s ministry of public safety, managed by Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth.
"Incidents at first may not seem serious, but usually escalate over time, leading to women feeling degraded, isolated and having little control over their lives," the province has previously stated of the systematic problem.
It said women have been more vulnerable to domestic violence since the COVID-19 pandemic.
No experience is needed to attend PMPD's women-only workshop this week.
Interested participants are set to learn basic self-defence techniques from officers throughout the 75-minute session.
The women's safety course is scheduled for Thursday from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the main room at Old Orchard Hall (646 Bentley Rd.) — located south of Ioco Road near Old Orchard Park.
Attendees aged 13 to 18 are required to have a parent or guardian sign a waiver before the workshop begins.
For more information, you can visit the City of Port Moody's website or call 604-469-4556.
Prevention of Violence Against Women Week in B.C. is scheduled for April 16 to 22.
