crime prevention - WKTV Journal

In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Reggie Macon of Battle Ground is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

Globally, an estimated 736 million women aged 15 and older—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical violence at least once in their life, according to UN Women. This figure does not include sexual harassment.

Reggie Macon, owner and instructor of Battle Ground JKD LLC, is dedicated to ensuring women and children are able to protect themselves from these senseless acts of violence.

In an effort to provide local women with the resources necessary to be confident in their everyday lives, Macon is offering a free EmpowerHer self-defense class. The class will take place at Boston Square Christian Reformed Church on Friday, July 26, from 6-8 p.m.

Why self-defense is important

At Battle Ground, Reggie Macon (center) is focused on helping women and children defend themselves (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)

“As an instructor, I think it’s important to learn some type of self-defense skill,” said Macon. “I’d rather have the women know it and not need it, than need it and not know.

“With everything that goes in the world, it will also give them a sense of awareness and confidence in their everyday life.”

At the EmpowerHer event, women will learn basic strikes, situational awareness, how to read body language, and tips on maximizing verbal and nonverbal communication.

“Self-defense is important as a woman because it gives you the confidence to defend yourself against an attacker,” said Macon’s wife and co-owner of Battle Ground, Chandra Macon.

“As a mother, it’s important to make sure our daughters have the knowledge of how to get away from an attacker as we cannot be with our children all day, everyday – especially as they get older and want to hang out with friends at the mall.”

A local youth learns self-defense techniques with Macon (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Chandra went on to say that class participants will gain a better understanding of the tools they can use when in uncomfortable situations, generating confidence.

“This can also help you in everyday life where you may have been struggling to speak up before, but now have the confidence to speak up for your piece,” said Chandra.

“I’ve seen firsthand at sporting events where other kids navigate toward the larger crowds to fit in. Not my child; she decided not to. Proud moment for sure, because that tells me she’s okay to stand on her own – as that’s what leaders do! Anything can happen in larger crowds, and you don’t want to be guilty by association.”

Macon encourages local women to attend this free event and gain tools and resources to help protect themselves and their loved ones.

RSVP

This event is sponsored in part by Amplify GR’s Amp the Good grant funding.

More about Battle Ground programs

Battle Ground offers a variety of classes and programs for all ages, and personalized experience to fit the needs of each individual.

Whether looking to get in shape, build self-discipline, defend against an attacker, or become the next boxer or MMA fighter, individuals can reach their goals through Battle Ground JKD.

Battle Ground programs and classes can be found on their website, Instagram and Facebook sites.

Prevent human trafficking through education and understanding (Courtesy, WCS)

By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org

Human trafficking is a crime of exploitation that preys on the vulnerable.

This form of crime and abuse claims victims without discrimination. Traffickers will look for vulnerabilities in those of any age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, cultural background, religion, socio-economic class, and education level.

Millions are victims of trafficking, and many of those victims are children (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

With approximately 27.6 million victims worldwide at any given time, human traffickers profit at the expense of the victims by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.

And the number of human trafficking incidents is rising.

“There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of [trafficking] incidents that have happened over the past several years,” said Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, WCS. “The big thing that’s coming into play is technology.

“A lot of individuals are experiencing their first grooming incidents online.”

However, many times predators are much closer to home than people realize – and they are targeting children.

Trafficking is highly relational

Traffickers create relationships with their victims first.

“They become friends with them online, or it may even be a loved one or family member – but they have some sort of connection with that client,” said Jackson.

The predator must first know the victim’s needs in order to offer a solution and make the perpetrator appear safe. Often the most susceptible and vulnerable are children.

One of Wedgwood’s Residential Homes (Courtesy, WCS)

“We typically see individuals getting into trafficking between ages 12 and 16,” said Jackson.

Nearly half of child trafficking cases worldwide involve family members, with family involvement in child exploitation almost four times higher than in cases of adult trafficking.

Because of this, children may not recognize themselves as victims.

Even if they do, fear can prevent children from seeking help. Those fears can come from fear of law enforcement, fear of returning to an abusive home, of being deported, or of harm befalling their loved ones. Victims may also feel a sense of guilt or shame that causes them to remain silent.

It is also important to understand that, though many traffickers are male, women can also be perpetrators. Some traffickers work in groups consisting of both men and women.

The common denominator

Lyrics to a song residents wrote together in music therapy (Courtesy, WCS)

Whether a child or an adult, vulnerability remains the common factor.

As the therapist for Wedgwood’s residential home that serves human trafficking victims ages 12-17, Jackson is no stranger to seeing that vulnerability firsthand.

“I’ve been in this position for four years, and every story is so unique,” said Jackson. “But the one thing always in common is that vulnerability.

“Every single one of my clients, when they talk about why they got into human trafficking, [say] they felt unloved, they felt vulnerable enough to allow anyone to give them that love and attention.”

A dysfunctional home life is one of the main catalysts for involvement in human trafficking.

“Maybe they’re running away from home, or they’re displaying images or messages online suggesting that they’re not happy at home,” said Jackson. “They’re looking to try to fill that void of the relationship they don’t have with their parents with anyone out there willing to give it to them.”

How can we stop the cycle?

Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) is dedicated to preventing human trafficking by bringing awareness to the community and urging people to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking.

Prevention of human trafficking, Jackson believes, begins in the home.

“It first starts with having, and modeling, positive relationships in the home,” said Jackson. “A lot of times when we see youth seek out that negative attention, it’s because they’re looking to fill that void they’re not getting in the home.”

Creating a safe space at home for children to give voice to their feelings is crucial.

Having open conversations with children about warning signs they should look for online is also essential.

Jackson urges parents to be aware of current street language, their children’s social media use, and who their children talk to.

Red flags to watch for can include changes in a youth’s personal hygiene, the amount of cash they have on them, and evidence of sexual activity.

Educate, educate, educate

Continual education regarding human trafficking is encouraged.

“This is a topic that continues to grow, and there’s more information on it all the time,” Jackson said.

Tip sheets provided by WCS can help with that education and understanding:

Things to Look For

Prevention Through Empowerment

Dos & Don’ts

Resources for victims

Wedgwood’s Cook Claus Program, also known as Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Trauma Recovery Center, is a local residential treatment program for victims of sex trafficking.

The program provides a safe environment where victims can begin to heal and gain hope for their future.