The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office announced upcoming S.T.O.P. self-defense classes which are taught for free by Ryan Bonacci, Mercy Health Chief of Police and certified self-defense instructor.
The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office
After starting and seeing responses from the community at its first free self-defense class in 2023, the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office announced more classes for 2024.
“Our 2023 launch of the S.T.O.P program was very successful and we want to continue to provide opportunities for members of the community to learn how to avoid being a victim of crime,” said Prosecutor DeGenova.
Accoridng to the prosecutor’s office, the class is happening at 6:30 p.m. inside the gymnasium at South Range Middle School in Canfield.
The next S.T.O.P. self-defense class is happening May 8 in Boardman Township Administration Building.
That class’s registration link opens on April 10.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the classes have been filling up and anyone who wants to participate should try to sign up quickly.
You can also register to receive notification of future courses on the prosecutor’s office website.
What’s a S.T.O.P. self-defense class like?
Ever wanted to take a self-defense class? The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office is hosting the S.T.O.P. self-defense training class this upcoming Monday at 6:30 p.m. in Canfield and there’s no fee. Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office
S.T.O.P. self-defense classes are taught by Ryan Bonacci, Mercy Health Chief of Police who’s a certified self-defense instructor.
Participants can get tips and training on “components of self-defense in a safe, trauma-informed environment.”
There are three main components to every S.T.O.P. class:
learning local laws and local victim services
building awareness and confidence
physical training
The program was developed by Mercy Health and COMPASS Family and Community Services.
Self-defense classes from STOP have been offered at several Mahoning Valley organizations and schools, like the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, Austintown Township Park, Campbell Community Literacy Worksorce and Cultural Center and Youngstown State University.
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