A free class next week on the UWindsor campus offers simple techniques that allow women to prevent themselves from becoming victims of violence.

The women’s self-defence class, led by UWindsor staffer Mary Brownlie, will discuss real-life scenarios in a comfortable and enjoyable setting, from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in Alumni Hall’s McPherson Lounge.

Brownlie holds a second-degree black belt in karate and is a certified instructor who has been teaching self-defence for over 20 years, in addition to her day job as a database administrator/programmer analyst in Information Technology Services.

The Women’s Self-defence Class is presented by the Humanities Research Group in observance of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Attendance is free but space is limited, so advance registration is required. Email a message with the subject “HRG self-defence” to HRGmail@uwindsor.ca.

Brownlie encourages participants to wear running shoes and clothing that allows for free movement and to register with a friend since the class will involve practising with a partner – but she notes she will pair up any singles.