Personal safety is paramount, and the Merrillville Police Department’s inaugural women’s self-defense class provided an indispensable tool for empowerment and security. About 30 women participated in the first session held on Thursday, March 21, at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center.
Merrillville Police Detective Amanda Earley was enthusiastic about leading the program due to the numerous benefits it offers to women. “It’s really nice that we’re able to teach this class because it teaches some skills that could be very valuable to them,” Earley said.
Instructors demonstrated various maneuvers, including punches, kicks, and escape techniques that women could use if attacked. Following each demonstration, participants received individual instruction to hone their skills.
Merrillville Town Council President Rick Bella highlighted the importance of structured self-defense training. Through this class, participants gained crucial skills to protect themselves and assert their boundaries effectively,” Bella said. “Beyond physical techniques, these classes cultivate mental resilience and situational awareness, empowering women to recognize and react to potential threats.”
The class was led by Detective Earley and other officers from the Merrillville Police Department including Police Chief Kosta Nuses, and Assistant Police Chief Josh Gonzales.
Earley emphasized the importance of incorporating male instructors to demonstrate that it’s possible to execute maneuvers against someone bigger. “Because you’re a woman, it doesn’t mean you can’t fight back,” she said. Other MPD officers assisting were Corporal Allison Ellis, Officer Jillian Evans, K9 Office Nick Wright, and Officer Mark Novak.
The overwhelming interest in the initial women’s self-defense program resulted in the class quickly reaching capacity. Resident Lori Cole expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate, stating she encouraged several other women to take the class with her. “Now I feel like we can protect each other,” Cole said. Resident Donna Hayes was grateful for the class and had suggested having such training to Bella months ago.
Resident Cassandra Davis, a pastor at Jesus Saves Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, praised instructors for taking a hands-on approach. “The way it’s taught, it’s easy to understand,” Davis said.
Police Chief Nuses said the Merrillville Police Department will offer more women’s self-defense programs, with the next session potentially taking place in June.
It was great watching our officers interact with residents and teaching this valuable skill. Officers emphasized that if you are threatened, be LOUD, make noise to attract attention to your situation and take a defensive posture. The whole idea is to get away.
Information about future classes will be available on the Town’s website (merrillville.in.gov) and Merrillville’s Facebook page (facebook.com/thetownofmerrillville). -Rick Bella, Town Council President – Merrillville Communications Manager, Chas Riley contributed to this post.
