PIQUA – The Piqua Police Department along with the YWCA Piqua are co-sponsoring a 12-hour self-defense program for women 15 years and older on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Nov. 4 at the YWCA Piqua located at 418 N. Wayne St.

The program will be held Nov. 4, 6, 11 and 13. Classes are from 6 to 9 p.m. All classes are taught by Piqua police officers who are Rape Aggression Defense certified instructors.

“The self-defense class begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance and progresses to the basics of hands on self-defense,” YWCA Executive Director Leesa Baker said.

“We are so excited to be offering this class for women of all ages and abilities,” Baker said. “The Piqua Police Department’s program will include discussions, lectures, defense techniques and a workbook/reference manual. This program is a great one to help a woman have the skills needed to protect themselves if an emergency should arise,” Baker continued. “We hope women in school or the workforce will take advantage of this opportunity.”

YWCA membership is not required to participate. All those interested in taking the course must sign up at the YWCA to fill out a form and pay the class fee of $20 beforehand. Limited scholarship assistance is also available. Participants must be able to attend all four sessions.

For more information or registration, stop at the YWCA Piqua at 418 N. Wayne St. or call 937-773-6626.