In response to several requests from sorority sisters, Penn Watch and the Panhellenic Council's Safety Committee will sponsor self-defense seminars today and tomorrow at the Delta Delta Delta house. Led by Women's Rights Group President David Portnoy, the seminars titled "How to Protect Yourself From Rape and Violent Attacks," will offer hands-on self-defense training. A series of 40-minute sessions will run between 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. this afternoon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. tomorrow. Portnoy, a karate and self-defense expert, will discuss rape and mugging statistics on college campuses, including specific information about the crimes on the Penn campus. Following the information session, he will instruct a hands-on karate and self-defense segment. The seminar will also include a demonstration of self-defense weapons such as pepper spray, which participants can buy after the seminar. Portnoy founded the Women's Rights Group in 1996 after a female friend was raped on a college campus. His organization sends out booklets and information to sorority chapters concerning crime and safety. College sophomore Jen Weldon, a Chi Omega sister, said she will attend the seminar today because "self defense gives women a sense of empowerment when living in a big city like Philadelphia." "Women tend to be portrayed as victims of crime," she said. "By offering self-defense classes, Panhel is giving women control over where they feel the most helpless." Panhel's Penn Watch and Safety Committee has also issued a pamphlet to sorority sisters and freshmen with phone numbers of available resources such as escort services and help lines. Committee Chairperson and College junior Janelle Brodsky said Panhel has a responsibility in offering programs that address issues and concerns facing women. "Because we are the largest women's organization on campus, we have the resources and the funding to do something like this," she said. Weldon agreed, saying that Panhel must make itself available as a resource to the University's female population. "It's important that female groups on campus take action by offering seminars like this because it directly affects our everyday life," she said. Brodsky said that although Portnoy usually offers the self-defense seminars to only sorority sisters, the programs at Penn are open to the entire University. The Pi Beta Phi sister said her organization urged Portnoy to allow male students and faculty to attend the seminars. "Whether you're in a sorority or not, there is always a chance that you can get raped or mugged," she said.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
