Self Defense vBy Brandi Bue Self-defense is a countermeasure to defend the health and well-being of oneself from harm and is a legal way to use force in times of danger. As of 2016 according to the Bureau of Justice, 5.7 million residents of U.S. aged 12 or older experienced a violent assault of some form and 1.3% of those residents experienced more than one assault. There are two forms of self-defense, armed and unarmed, so Her Voice thought it would be interesting to learn a bit from two local women with some knowledge in both areas of self-defense. Bobbi Aune who sells Damsel in Defense items, which are self-defense items that are discreet and easy to carry. Brooke Jackson is a Parole Agent with the Department of Corrections who teaches self-defense classes at Empower Fitness. For both women, self-defense has been a part of their past and is a part of their current professions. Bobbi Aune has worked in the correctional setting for over 20 years. She started out as an Army Soldier stationed at the United States Disciplinary Barracks so “it has been pretty much embedded in me!” Bobbi enjoys running and actually found Damsel in Defense when she was looking for something to take along with her while she is running. For Brooke Jackson, it was also embedded in her but in a slightly different way. Her family was in law enforcement and she grew up on a farm with all brothers. She went to USD and participated in the US Boxing Association because it was a way to refine some of those skills she learned early on. She went on to some internships with United States Secret Service, a contracted case worker for Indian Health Coalition, and ATF. From there, Brooke went on to work for Springfield Penitentiary. During her time there she worked her way up to Senior Officer, then became the first female Defense Tactics Instructor for South Dakota. She trained vSELF DEFENSE continued on page 18 Brooke Jackson teaching a class – photo by Empower Fitness Brooke Jackson teaching a class – photo by Empower Fitness Keep The Holidays Merry – Hassle-Free Holiday Decorating • FREE Estimates • Exterior, Professional Holiday Lighting • Installation, Take Down, Storage • Commercial & Residential NaturescapiNg DesigNs ( L A n D S C A p i n g | p r O p e r T Y C A r e | H O L i DAY D e C O r AT i n g ) CALL US TODAY 605.661.1205 • NatureScapiNgDeSigNS.com • LAUrAwnSD@gmAiL.COm HERVOICEvNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018v13