According to the U.S. Department of Justice an estimated 3 million people over the age 12 experienced one or more violent victimizations in 2014. Learn how to protect yourself at two programs presented by retired law enforcement officer, Tom Benge, as part of the Know You series at Deschutes Public Library throughout the month of September. The presentations are free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 5, 2015 | 6:00 p.m.
East Bend Library

Tuesday, September 8, 2015 | 6:00 p.m.
Redmond Library

Benge says that self-protection starts with awareness. “Awareness of self, surroundings and of others is critical when it comes to self-protection,” he says. Benge believes that because protection principals are universal, knowing them can benefit everyone. Benge began teaching rape prevention and self-defense courses in 1995 and the questions that arose from his students during classes prompted him to develop his woman’s personal protection course, Awareness, Avoidance, Action. “Big issues to consider when it comes to self-protection include what is the cost of not defending yourself, who is the attacker, what can I do legally and knowing where and when violence occurs,” says Benge.

Sgt. Benge (retired) started his law enforcement career in 1991 as a probation/parole officer and corrections officer. He retired from full-time law enforcement work as a police supervisor in 2007 after 15 years of service. He is a law enforcement and military trainer, and a Master Trainer for Cutting Edge Training L.L.C., based in Redmond, Oregon. In addition to his law enforcement training and tactical experience, Benge is a certified fitness trainer and has delivered programs on exercise and physical fitness to audiences ranging from police officers to civilian homemakers. He is a CrossFit certified coach and runs an affiliate in Redmond, Oregon.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032.