April 10 to 16 is known as prevention of violence against women week — part of B.C.'s community safety and crime prevention 2022 calendar.
And Port Moody police (PMPD) are raising awareness by offering a women's-only personal safety session.
The department is collaborating with city recreation team members to teach a self-defense workshop later this month to women and girls as young as 13 years old.
Interested participants are set to learn basics in personal safety, crime prevention and self-defence techniques.
B.C.'s ministry of public safety says, each year, about 20,000 women in the province experience some form of relationship violence and half of all of Canadian women have been victims of sexual or physical violence at one point in their lives.
It notes women have been more vulnerable to domestic violence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"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 states of the systematic problem.
PMPD officers are set to attend the 75-minute class at the Old Orchard Hall (646 Bentley Rd.) — located south of Ioco Road near Old Orchard Park.
No experience is needed prior to the class, according to the event's description.
The workshop is slated for April 13 from 7 to 8:15 p.m.
Door prizes from Lululemon will be up for grabs for those who choose to attend.
You can click here to register or call 604-469-4556.
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