Team Andersen fights back Published May 3, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Adarius Petty 36th Wing Public Affairs 4/30/2013 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Members of Team Andersen's "Hearts Apart" program participated in a self-defense class as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month April 30 at the Hot Spot Gym here. The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program partnered with the Andersen AFB Office of Special Investigations to provide self-defense classes that were held throughout SAAM. This class, in particular, was held to provide prevention tools to Team Andersen spouses. The two-hour instruction included tips on how to avoid becoming a victim and lessons on how to temporarily subdue an aggressor if ever attacked. "This taught me knowledge of defensive moves to help prepare me for any circumstance where I may be put in a situation that I could be a victim of assault," said Jennifer Parker, 734th Air Mobility Squadron key spouse. Individuals partaking in the class were exposed to multiple scenarios where they were attacked in a controlled environment, giving the participants the chance to practice their new skills. There were 41 spouses, key spouses and dependents who attended the class. Many mothers brought their daughters along to participate in the course as well. "I was interested in learning defensive and offensive preparedness," Parker said. "It has prepared me for the mental battle that comes with being a victim of assault." According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an average of 207,754 victims, ages 12 or older, are raped or sexually assaulted each year. For more information about this self defense class or sexual assault awareness, contact the SAPR office at 366-SARC (7272).