Defense workshop offered Oct. 27 at Boyle extension office in Danville Ky.

You are less likely to become a victim if you develop a safety plan before you need it. That’s the idea behind “Refuse to Be a Victim,” a crime prevention seminar that will be offered 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Boyle County Extension Office.

“We thought this would be something good to offer,” said Beverly Lay, a member of the Boyle County Farm Bureau women’s committee, which is a driving force behind the event.

“Refuse to Be a Victim” was created in the 1990s, and has been taught in police departments, schools and various other locations nationwide. It was designed as one of the NRA Women’s Programs to teach participants how to avoid situations where they would need knowledge of self-defense. Instead, it teaches individuals to be proactive.

“Like the UK basketball team has plans in place before they go into a game, you need plans in place to prevent being a victim,” Jason Gaines, course instructor, said. He is the owner of Practical Defense Academy in Stanford.

The Oct. 27 course will include information about personal property and phone security, travel and automobile security, cyber security, and self-defense options.

Gaines explains there are things people do or don’t do throughout their lives that make them more likely to be a target for some type of crime.

“This program goes through aspects of an individual’s life to make them not such an easy target,” he said.

Despite being designed under the women’s programs, men and children are invited as well.

“Anyone, any age” will enjoy the class, according to Gaines, who added, “It doesn’t matter if they are 90 or if they’re nine.”

The class is designed like a seminar, meaning that there are no physical requirements and no dress code. The only necessity, Gaines says, is to come with a willingness to learn.

Organizers are planning to close pre-registration Oct. 23, and request those interested in attending contact the Boyle County Farm Bureau office at (859) 236-4081. Everyone who attends will receive a packet with a crime prevention booklet, according to Gaines.

While the event primarily is geared toward participation from Farm Bureau members, it is open to the general public. “We really want them to come out and be a part of it,” Lay said.

SO YOU KNOW

To register for the class, call (859) 236-4081.
For questions, contact Lay at (859) 516-3958.
To learn more about this or other courses Gaines teaches, visit practicaldefenseacademy.com or call (859) 338-4401.