ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office held a free self-defense class for women aged 55 and older in Pine Hills, to teach them techniques on how to protect themselves.  

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, members of the elderly population are often more vulnerable to crime because of their advanced age, possible medical conditions that may diminish their physical strength or mental capacity, and exposure to fraud and scams specifically targeting seniors.

According to Sgt. Wayne Lenihan at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the first attack is usually a grab or a pull.

Forty women are fighting against those odds by attending the free class. Each participant has her own reason for attending the self-defense class at the Pine Hills Community Center.

“I’m home a lot by myself,” said Marylin Ricks, 55.

She explained that she’s learning the proper way to stand when attacking and is making use of the force she carries in her fists.

“One of the techniques that I did not know is the claw move.,” she said.

At 64, Levi Williams is eager to learn new techniques. She attended the class to teach her two youngest sisters how to protect themselves.

“The hammer technique across the elbow was very good, and definitely the claw; I will definitely be using the claw and the uppercut,” said Williams.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has launched self-defense classes as part of an initiative to empower women to take action against potential threats. 

“Individuals often perceive seniors as easy targets,” Lenihan said. “However, anyone can be a victim.”

He emphasizes that the primary goal is to survive the encounter after attempting to scream and run. However, if those options aren’t possible, aim for the eyes.

“By you attacking them, it throws them off their plan; they have a plan,” said Lenihan.

Lenihan explains that he’s teaching the group how to become harder targets, but the key is to avoid being in those positions in the first place. 

“The whole ancient Chinese secret of self-defense is don’t be there. Try to not put yourself in that predicament, and then you’ll end up winning the encounter,” said Lenihan.

He says it’s always better not to fight the force coming at you.

“We either try to divert, or go with,” he told the class.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office states that sessions are held quarterly, with one of the four annual classes specifically designed for seniors, who are often the most vulnerable members of the community.

The OCSO said the locations rotate around the county, so that there is one session each year in every area, reaching as many residents as possible.