Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced a free self-defense class for women in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The course will offer simple techniques to avoid assault. It will be hands-on training, so be sure to dress comfortably in workout wear, according to Wilk’s office.

“I’m in Sacramento and I get exposed to a lot of issues and we deal with a lot of legislation in Sacramento having to do with domestic violence,” said Wilk in a previous story. “We decided to offer a program where women can come and learn how to defend themselves, whether it’s a domestic violence situation or someone’s accosting you in the mall.”

The year’s workshop will be lead by Bonnie Formia of STRIKE Krav Maga in Santa Clarita.

“This event is by women, for women,” said Formia. “Past self-defence classes with Wilk were taught by men — how can a man understand what women go through?”

Formia and her husband approached Wilk when he was running for the Senate to create this workshop, she said.

“The event will feature simple, easy ways to defend yourself,” said Formia. “All women are invited to attend — just make sure you know your body.”

She noted that pregnant women and people with injuries are not able to participate in all of the exercises. “They can still come and get the important information,” said Formia.

STRIKE Krav Maga opened its doors in 2014 offering premier self-defense training in Krav Maga. We provide group classes in self defense and fitness to hundreds of clients wanting to become safer and increase their fitness, according to their website.

The workshop is set for Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Newhall Community Center.