PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Jamie Miller, a mixed martial arts champion and domestic abuse survivor, is leading a self-empowerment workshop this weekend in South Philadelphia.
Miller endured abuse from her partner for more than six years. Her story and experience led her to collaborate with the Philadelphia Police Department, Queen Village Neighbors Association, and many others to provide people with the resources they need to stay safe.
“Learning how to defend yourself is really empowering, and just having that to walk around with is, like, a really incredible tool to have,” said Miller, an advocate with Women Against Abuse.
The free workshop is on Saturday, Oct. 12, from noon to 3 p.m. at Sweat Fitness on East Passyunk Avenue. Miller says there will be a Q&A, an open table-style discussion with PPD, and a self-defense demonstration.
“I can teach you how to disengage and get to safety, like how to protect yourself if you are pulled into a physical altercation, but you know, I'm not teaching people how to, like, get in fights with people, I'm teaching you how to get away and get to safety,” she said.
Cait Allen, president of the Queen Village Neighbors Association, says they will also talk about the importance of calling 911.
“We hear from a lot of folks that they feel that maybe it's not an emergency, or they don't want to bother the police,” Allen said. “We know how short-staffed they are, but the one thing I hear consistently from the police officers is the importance of calling 911.”
A raffle will be held to raise money for local victims of domestic violence.