Self-defence and safety course for Three Rivers women

Three Rivers District Council’s Community Safety Team has recently successfully secured funds from the Police and Crime Commissioner's Action Fund to run a project called ‘Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Head On’.

The project will involve police-led self-defence lessons for women in Rickmansworth and a community safety team-led training day on how to engage perpetrators in interventions for female professionals.

The classes – which have been organised by police and will be delivered by UK Puma Defence – are now a reality thanks to a joint bid submitted by the Neighbourhood Policing Team and Three Rivers District Council.

· The first session, for teenage girls aged between 14 and 17, will be held at William Penn Leisure Centre in Mill End, WD3 8JN, from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday 24 March.

· The second and third sessions are for adult females; the second session will be held at Three Rivers House in Rickmansworth, WD3 1RL, from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday 27 March. The third session will be held at William Penn Leisure Centre, WD3 8JN between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday 30 March.

Last year, the council made a public stand to end all forms of men’s violence against women and girls by becoming white ribbon accredited.

This means the council will deliver a comprehensive multi-year plan to transform staff culture, systems, and the wider community in which it operates. This strategy will help eliminate attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women.

Projects, like ‘Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Head On’, solidify the council’s commitment to White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women, and eradicating all forms of violence against women and girls.

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “It is sad that we still live in a world where outdated sexist attitudes are still tolerated and accepted.

“We must not accept these misogynist views as the status quo – and that is why the council joined other local authorities in the ongoing mission to make this a world where every woman and girl feels safe and is treated with respect and dignity.

“I am pleased the council’s Community Safety Team was successful in their bid to lead on projects that help further our White Ribbon commitment.”

There are 17 spaces available on a first come, first served basis on each of the three courses. You can register your interest for a place on your chosen course using this online form. The course content focuses on empowerment, situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, self-defence and safety protocols.