As a two-time assault victim, Barbara Copeland made a decision she would not be assaulted again.

So she took action.

Having learned the practice of Marshal Arts to protect herself, Copeland, a local instructor o f Martial Arts in Mishawaka, told students at Saint Mary's Tuesday night that awareness is one of the first keys to protecting themselves from assault.

"No matter who you are, if you are with your friends or not, you have to always be aware," she said.

In a lecture and demonstration, Copeland outlined six main points women needed to know to protect themselves from assault:

Don't ever go to a second location with the attacker.

When walking or jogging, don't wear headphones.

If your car breaks down, do not get out of your car. Call for help or ask a police officer to assist you.

Drive with all doors locked.

Appear confident and look people in the eyes walking past them.

Never stay somewhere where you are not comfortable.

Copeland also showed students several simple self-defense moves used for escape during an attack. With proper training, anyone can use simple self-defense, Copeland said.

Several students expressed interest in developing a self-defense class at Saint Mary's in questions following Copeland's lecture.

Linda Timm, vice president of student affairs, is an advocate of the proposal.

"I strongly believe that self-defense is a skill that is important and needs to be developed through repetition and practice."

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