Teach inner city girls physical self-defense & personal safety skillsLEAP Self-Defense, Inc. (d/b/a Girls' LEAP)

Each program will be conducted in 2-hour sessions over 10 weeks. Programs are taught by all female teaching teams including adult teachers, college assistants, and Teen Mentors. The girls learn personal boundary setting, conflict de-escalation, characteristics of healthy relationships, appropriate ways to say "no"; and self-advocacy, building self-esteem and confidence. The physical skills practice includes large group instruction, small group practice and simulations of self-defense techniques. Reflective activities include group discussion and brainstorming sessions, role plays and journal writing. A 4:1 student to teacher ratio ensures a hands-on experience. By practicing both physical and reflective skills, the girls have a chance to develop assessment skills, increase awareness of extreme threat, and practice making decisions in tense situations. As one participant stated: "I feel more safe in my body as a young girl"; 12 year old, Roxbury MA.