Take a free self-defense class
A Williamson County man is making it his mission to help women protect and defend themselves.
It's a gift Robert Cooke gives in memory of his daughter, Rachel. She was abducted nearly two years ago and hasn't been seen since.
Cooke wants women to take the MUST seminar, Mentally Useful Safety Techniques, to help them be aware of their surroundings and to keep them from being victims.
The technique isn't about kickboxing or fighting, said Southwestern University Police Chief Deborah Brown, it's about being prepared.
"It teaches you mental preparation on how to be prepared if I'm attacked going to my car this morning; how am I going to get away from that person," Brown said.
The class teaches women how to turn their keys into a set of brass knuckles and how to evade an attacker, even if you're wearing high heels.
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"Our goal is to teach women that they can take care of themselves. It's something that women are non-aggressive by nature, it's something that they need to learn, when they're attacked it's OK to fight back," Cooke said.
The class will be held Monday night from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Crestview United Methodist Church at 1300 Morrow Street in North Austin. It's aimed at women and girls 14 and older. You should come dressed comfortably and bring your keys.
For more information visit rachelalert.org.