TRI-STATE (WFIE) -
Three women have been killed in Evansville within a three week period.
On May 28th, police say Latonya McNary died after being stabbed in the chest by her boyfriend.
On June 3rd, investigators say Rachel Lomax was beaten to death by her boyfriend.
And last Saturday, police say Kathleen Goffinet died after being stabbed in the chest by her husband.
"It's very scary to me," admitted Evansville resident Gretchen Pittman.
"It's terrible, something needs to be done," said resident Anita Lamb.
Now, law enforcement officers are launching a series of self-defense classes for women.
"Awareness and avoidance are probably the best ways to not become a victim of a crime," explained EPD Officer Sam Smith.
But sometimes, you have to use force. Officer Smith showed us physical tactics.
One-technique is called the "palm-heel strike" and the "hammer fist attack." The details are in your stance and the way you punch, seen in the video above.
"You catch him right there with the fingers and the nose. He shakes it off and then you come with that big blow right there. Hopefully that is going to create enough pain, he'll look away and it buys you time to get away," explained Officer Smith.
It's unclear if these tactics would have helped McNary, Lomax, or Goffinet. Still, women say anything they can learn to protect themselves is worth the time.
"Many women are really unprepared for that sort of thing, they need to know they can defend themselves when necessary," said Jennifer Bretz.
If you're interested in learning some self-defense moves, these off-duty law enforcement officers are holding four-hour self-defense classes.
The one this Saturday is full, but more classes will be scheduled for July and August. The classes teach physical and mental tactics to avoid crime.
For more information on how you can register, click here or call the LawMan Help Center at 474-7536. The classes cost $65.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
Law enforcement officers are launching a series of self-defense classes for women.
