MSU junior, Angel Jenio, left, demonstrates self-defense moves to a beginner student at Cobra Force Street Self Defense Academy for Women in Lansing, Monday evening.
As school begins, so do parties that begin as fun, but quickly change directions.
One in four women will experience some kind of unwanted sexual encounter within their lifetime, said Sally Belloli, former director of the intramural sports sexual assault program.
But there are several MSU programs to help protect students from an unnecessary and harmful situation.
From Sept. 10-20 intramural sports is hosting free two-hour sessions of self-defense training in each residence hall complex.
The sessions will focus on basic self-defense skills, prevention of sexual assault and resource information.
Free classes also can be requested by calling the Intramural Sports and Recreative Services at (517) 355-5250.
“Freshmen are in a new setting and new environment,” Belloli said. “Many parents have set good examples, but now they are on their own and making their own decisions.”
The classes focus on how to make sense of that new freedom, she said.
“This campus is safe, but you just have to trust your instincts,” Belloli said. “Let someone know where you are going, and be aware of your environment.”
The program also works with other organizations such as MSU Safe Place and the MSU Counseling Center, 207 Student Services.
A new prevention program also is in the works.
Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Prevention Program will be a required workshop for freshmen. The proposal is still in the process of being created.
It will teach freshmen how to be proactive when it comes to sexual assault or rape, said Danielle Shelle, a nutritional science senior and peer educator for the program.
“We want them to be aware that sexual assault does happen,” she said.
During the summer, about 40 volunteer students went to a 20-hour training session, but now the program is at a standstill after the resignation of the director.
The program would teach students how to help themselves and other if a bad situation arises.
“Being on campus gives you a false sense of security and students aren’t as careful as if they were walking around a city,” said Angel Jenio, a political theory and constitutional democracy junior and self-defense instructor.
At her classes she teaches simple maneuvers, such as how to break out of a hold.
“Learning self-defense and prevention strategies better prepares you for college, increases your confidence and it’s just important to know how to defend yourself,” Jenio said.
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