Packed House for Self-Defense Seminar

For many women in Forest Hills, this year's early summer months were darkened by a black cloud — the fear of a sexual assault, after

With that in mind, a few local leaders decided to take back the summer for women in the neighborhood, with an eye on self-defense and safety. 

Wednesday night, dozens of women came out for an hour-long self-defense seminar designed to help local residents defend themselves in the event of an assault, co-hosted by City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, D-Forest Hills and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. 

After an introduction from Koslowitz, Quinn set out to introduce the team from The Center for Anti-Violence Education, the group running the evening's program.

"One of the most important things we're going to learn tonight is how much power we have," Quinn said. "How much ability and strength we have with our voices, with our bodies — whether we're old, whether we're young, whether we're in good shape, whether we're disabled or not — and that we can be prepared and help protect ourselves and our neighbors."

Koslowitz said she hoped the women of Forest Hills could leave the program with a little more confidence.

"A lot of people — myself included — don't know how to defend ourselves and by learning a little bit, maybe you can help yourself if someone approaches you," Koslowitz said. "[I'm hopeful] people can walk out of here knowing what to do in case someone comes up to them and they feel uncomfortable."

The packed-in crowd also heard an update on the search for the suspect, from 112 Precinct Commander Christopher Tamola. 

Did you attend the seminar? Let us know what you thought in the comments.