The San Jacinto College Police Department (SJCPD), along with the offices of Student Engagement and Activities (SEA), invite the College community to attend one of the two remaining S.H.A.R.P. trainings offered this semester on the South and Central Campuses. The hands-on sessions teach self-defense techniques to avoid sexual assault.

 SJCPD Investigative Sergeant LeAnderay Collins said S.H.A.R.P., which stands for Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention, is a course created by PPCT Management System using Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT), to show participants how to get away and call for help in the event of a predatory attack.

“This international training organization [PPCT Management System], specializing in teaching military, law enforcement and civilians in tactical and self-defense practices, will give students and anyone who assists, the effective and realistic training to counter sexual harassment and assault,” he said.

Attendees receive lecture instruction and hands-on training in self-defense through a tactics system that addresses most types of resistance levels. Initially, it was a supplement to existing defensive tactics and impact weapon systems.

Collins said S.H.A.R.P. training came to the College in 2016 as a collaborative effort between the SJCPD and Amanda Rose, the Central Campus SEA coordinator, to address concerns about student safety away from San Jac. “Self-defense [training] was a need for the campus,” he added.

Collins said the course material was created from tactical, legal, and medical research that emphasizes the approach that “less is best.” Participants are empowered by knowing they can survive a violent predator even in the absence of a traditional weapon.

“For the ones who took the class,” Collins said, “there have been significant changes to their confidence in trying to prevent or defend themselves when faced with a harsh situation.”

S.H.A.R.P. takes place from noon until 2 p.m. today in Room 101 of the Student Center on the South Campus and from noon until 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 in Room 202 of the Student Center (C14) on the Central Campus.