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Self-defense class bolsters sexual assault prevention

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Noah J. Tancer
  • 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

In recognition of Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month, the 910th Airlift Wing’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program hosted two self-defense classes for service members, civilians and their dependents in the aerobics room at the Fitness Center here April 7 and 24.

“We want to raise awareness of sexual assault,” said Shelly R. Trimble, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator & SAPR Program Manager with the 910th AW. “Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month is a way for us to recognize our victims even though we may not know individually who those people are.”

                Reports on sexual assault have had a regular decline in the military since 2012. Youngstown Air Reserve Station held the self-defense class as part of the continuing Department of Defense theme "protecting our people protects our mission.”

                Michael Chioviotti, a manager at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense Academy in Boardman, and three of his students instructed the class. The instructors taught the Gracie Self Defense Curriculum. Chioviotti said he hopes the class built confidence and helps to prevent potential assaults.

The National Institute of Justice website reports that certain resistance actions reduce the risk of rape more than 80 percent. Victims report that the most effective actions include attacking or struggling against their attacker, running away and verbally warning the attacker.

                The three instructors that assisted Chioviotti were sisters Amanda and Kaila Diianai and Darrian Yanek. The two classes had a total attendance of approximately 25 people.

                “I have in the past and will continue to make our policy clear, Sexual Assault must be stopped,” said Lt. General Maryanne Miller, the Chief of Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, in an AFRC wide email. “All Airmen, regardless of rank share this obligation.”