242-820-1979
DefendHer Self-Defense Class & Workshop
Sorority, Bahamas Crisis Center & RBPF offers self-defense & safety tips
November 29, 2024
She said that DefendHER underscores the Sorority’s commitment to tackling violent crimes committed against women and children.
“DefendHER embodies our Sorority’s mission—empowering women, uplifting our community, and inspiring positive change,” Culmer said.
Representatives from the Bahamas Crisis Center and the Royal Bahamas Police Force educated the attendees on the resources available to victims and potential victims of violence. Superintendent of Police Leonardo Burrows outlined the steps of receiving a protection order, while the Center’s representative, Phillipa Dean, described the services available to women, men, and children escaping abuse.
The attendees also participated in a self-defense workshop, led by MMA fighter, Ele Simmons and Marcus Moss, who demonstrated various defense techniques in the event of an altercation or potential assault.
Each participant received a safety kit, which included a whistle and flashlight. One attendee was randomly selected and won a Ring security camera, which was donated by ALIV.
“This is only the beginning,” Culmer said. NBAC plans to expand the workshop to include youth-focused programs to emphasize the importance of early education and intervention in combating gender-based violence.
“We will continue our work until laws are enacted to protect women and girls, and all violence, particularly those against women and children, is no longer tolerated.”
In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism to bring awareness to gender-based violence, the Nassau, Bahamas Alumnae Chapter (NBAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., recently hosted about 60 women at their annual self-defense and safety workshop, DefendHER, at St Anne’s School.
For the next 16 days, NBAC will partner with several public and non-profit agencies to empower women to defend themselves against violence and educate them on resources available to them and others who may be victims of abuse.
The initiative comes less than a week after the country was shocked by news reports that a 12-year-old girl, Adriel Moxey, was sexually assaulted and later murdered on her way home from school. On the day of the workshop, Vernencha Butler met the same fate during a home invasion.
According to NBAC’s President, Krystal Culmer, by introducing hands-on training and collaborating with like-minded partners, we are building a stronger network of safety and support for Bahamian women.
