2008 Woodie Awards
Girls on campus learn new ways to fight back
Sara Horowitz
Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The Muhlenberg Panhellenic Council and the Office of Greek Affairs held an event, "Girls Fight Back!" on Tues., Oct. 23 at 7:00 p.m. in Moyer Hall Miller Forum. Many members of sorority Greek Life came out to learn techiques on self- defense.
Although the speaker was sponsored by Panhel, the event was open to the entire campus. Sara Francella '09, a member of the Panhellinic Council, said, "I was glad Panhel brought a speaker like this one to the campus. Having a specialized program just for girls is very unique but also equally important to have on a college campus. Panhel knew this speaker would have a positive impact."
The speaker, Erin Weed, founder and executive director, started Girls Fight Back when her friend, Shannon, was murdered by an intruder who broke into her college apartment. Because Shannon was able to fight the intruder, there was enough physical evidence to lead the police to her killer. Girls Fight Back is meant as an empowering and motivational personal safety program for women. Girls Fight Back uses a unique approach in teaching women about personal security and self-defense. They use empowerment instead of fear, and simple techniques instead of complicated moves. The program is delivered in a fun, practical and down-to-earth approach to safety.
Weed's book, The College Girl's Guide to Protecting Herself, is loaded with information on ways girls can protect themselves. In the book, it says that in college dorms, where there are communal bathroom with multiple showers, girls should make sure to shower next to a friend for safety reasons. She explains that predators will try to attack girls while they are most vulnerable, so keeping someone close by during these times will lessen the chance of an attack.
Weed is going on tour to promote her book and offer public seminars to about 20 schools nationwide in the next few months. Weed's main goal is to teach girls how to be their own best protectors while showing them how to reduce the risk of violence and fight back if necessary.
Amanda Glassman '08, said the speaker and demonstration made her realize how vulnerable we are and made me want more confidence in being able to protect myself. Erin gave great advice and made me feel better about being able to fight back."
This program follows one that was offered a few week ago when the group, One in Four, came to the College. They provided a Rape Seminar for fraternities and male athletics teams. One in Fours main goal is to decrease mens belief in rape myths and lower mens self reported likelihood of raping for an academic year. Jonathon Perkes '08 said the speakers also tried "to inform us on how to deal with and comfort a friend who might have been the victim of rape. The advice they gave was really helpful."
Both programs are an attempt to engage students in healthy standards of living and while educating men and woman on ways to stay safe on a College campus.
Although the speaker was sponsored by Panhel, the event was open to the entire campus. Sara Francella '09, a member of the Panhellinic Council, said, "I was glad Panhel brought a speaker like this one to the campus. Having a specialized program just for girls is very unique but also equally important to have on a college campus. Panhel knew this speaker would have a positive impact."
The speaker, Erin Weed, founder and executive director, started Girls Fight Back when her friend, Shannon, was murdered by an intruder who broke into her college apartment. Because Shannon was able to fight the intruder, there was enough physical evidence to lead the police to her killer. Girls Fight Back is meant as an empowering and motivational personal safety program for women. Girls Fight Back uses a unique approach in teaching women about personal security and self-defense. They use empowerment instead of fear, and simple techniques instead of complicated moves. The program is delivered in a fun, practical and down-to-earth approach to safety.
Weed's book, The College Girl's Guide to Protecting Herself, is loaded with information on ways girls can protect themselves. In the book, it says that in college dorms, where there are communal bathroom with multiple showers, girls should make sure to shower next to a friend for safety reasons. She explains that predators will try to attack girls while they are most vulnerable, so keeping someone close by during these times will lessen the chance of an attack.
Weed is going on tour to promote her book and offer public seminars to about 20 schools nationwide in the next few months. Weed's main goal is to teach girls how to be their own best protectors while showing them how to reduce the risk of violence and fight back if necessary.
Amanda Glassman '08, said the speaker and demonstration made her realize how vulnerable we are and made me want more confidence in being able to protect myself. Erin gave great advice and made me feel better about being able to fight back."
This program follows one that was offered a few week ago when the group, One in Four, came to the College. They provided a Rape Seminar for fraternities and male athletics teams. One in Fours main goal is to decrease mens belief in rape myths and lower mens self reported likelihood of raping for an academic year. Jonathon Perkes '08 said the speakers also tried "to inform us on how to deal with and comfort a friend who might have been the victim of rape. The advice they gave was really helpful."
Both programs are an attempt to engage students in healthy standards of living and while educating men and woman on ways to stay safe on a College campus.