By Kayla Woody, CPN House of Hope Prevention Specialist
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation House of Hope was excited to host its annual Defense and Donuts event this past month. This was the eighth year the domestic violence program held the self-defense class for the community. Over 40 participants were able to enjoy a hands-on demonstration of self-defense tactics while also learning more about domestic violence.
With 1 in 3 women in the nation and half of all women in Oklahoma experiencing domestic violence, awareness of the topic is vital.
Instructors Gary Frazier and Chelsey Bennett demonstrated real-life scenarios and showed participants how to overcome a threat in each situation. They also shared their own experiences with domestic violence. Gary is a law enforcement officer in the community and a previous owner of 405 Fitness. Frazier has many years of experience in mixed martial arts and has a heart for survivors of domestic violence. Chelsey is the current owner and operator of Grit and Grappling martial arts school. She coaches many classes for women and children, including kickboxing, Muay Thai and Brazilian jujitsu. Bennett currently fights MMA in the strawweight class. She has a passion for encouraging people and showing them the power they have within.
The event wouldn’t be complete without the doughnuts. Ma Beasley’s Daylight Donuts of Tecumseh graciously donated eight dozen doughnuts to the event and stated, “We are beyond honored to help in such a small way for such a magnificent cause!”
If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, stalking, and/or sexual assault and would like more information, please contact the House of Hope at 405-275-3176 or visit us online at facebook.com/cpnhouseofhope.