On Saturday, Kotys Wealth Professionals held a women’s self defense training class for clients, friends and others. The class focused on teaching the participants what they can do to increase their personal safety.
Director of Client Relations Megan Myers said this is the first training class they have hosted, and she wants to stress the importance of safety and self-defense.
“Today is about giving women the knowledge to protect themselves and their families. Knowledge is power. You watch the news and see that things happen around us all the time. You want to be able to feel confident in any situation, and to have the techniques and the tools necessary to protect yourself,” said Myers.
Chief Executive Officer for Vertex Tactical Lance Bella spoke to the class about protecting your home. FBI Universal Crime Reports state that a burglary takes place every 18.2 seconds, with 73% being residential break-ins.
“You want to make yourself an uneasy target. Lock your doors, because the first thing a burglar is going to try is just opening the door. Don’t make yourself an easy target,” said Bella. “Don't put the spare house key under the mat or by the only rock near the door. Give it to a trusted neighbor. Burglars look in the obvious places.”
Tri Kappa member Angie Hayes says it’s important to feel safe in your own home.
“I’m a single woman and I live by myself. I feel safe in Valpo, but I want to make sure the little things help that. Don’t leave your windows open at night, and keep your home lit. I never thought about my sliding glass door being an easy entry. I know from this class what I need to change at home,” said Hayes.
Sandy McDade attended the class and said growing up they never had to worry about prevalent break-ins.
“I’m getting up in age and I need to know the ways to protect myself. I am a little paranoid now because I grew up in an era where you didn’t worry about this stuff. Now I get the feeling it’s not safe anywhere, so you need to be aware and alert. You need to be prepared if anything were to happen,” said McDade.
Chief Financial Officer Sarah Kotys says it’s important to stay safe, and to educate women on security strategies.
“I think a training like this can remove some fear. There are so many negative news stories that come at you every day that it can feel overwhelming. Overall we wanted to provide this training for the women in our life. A lot of these women are here because they want to be prepared for whatever may come their way,” said Kotys. “When I was in the third grade, my home was broken into and that’s something I have always carried with me. Now, as a mom, I want to at least have a baseline idea of what to be alert for and what things I can do to increase our safety.”
The class helped prepare women and enlightened them on what they can do to increase their personal safety, make their home safer, and avoid dangerous situations. Kotys Wealth Professionals hope that this training gave each participant more knowledge, techniques, and tools they can utilize in their everyday life.
