Peabody library to offer self-defense class

PEABODY – Peabody teens will have the opportunity to learn a thing or two about self-defense later this month with a free class offered at the Peabody Institute Library.As part of the grant-funded Fit for Life program, the library will offer Self Defense for Teens on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 1-4 p.m. at the main branch. Local self-defense training professionals from IMPACT Boston will be leading the class.”We were very pleased with the quality they put on last time for us,” said young adult librarian Melissa Rauseo. The library worked with IMPACT once before when interest in self-defense training for younger individuals grew. The program’s $1,100 price tag, however, was a bit much for the library to take on, and they were forced to wait until additional funds became available to offer it again.”IMPACT works for all different age levels,” said Rauseo. “And they do a lot of after school programs, so they’re used to working with younger students.”During the co-ed class, participants will learn how to respond to potentially dangerous situations. Students will be taught to avoid altercations, resist intimidation, assert themselves in the face of peer pressure and escape potential assaults. They are also taught how to report dangerous situations to a safe adult. Scenarios focus on issues relevant to the lives of young adults, such as bullying, sexual violence, increasing independence from parents and teachers, dating issues and peer pressure.Rauseo says that although the course will offer techniques on physically protecting oneself, the trainers will “stress how to deescalate the situation” before it gets to that point.”I think that it’s beneficial for all young adults and teenagers to know how to respond to the dangerous situations they find themselves in, whether it’s right now or when they go away to college,” said Rauseo. “It’s just a good life skill for them to have.”There is plenty of room still available for those interested in signing up. Contact Rauseo at the library at 978-531-0100, ext. 14 to register.