Expanding on last week’s editorial about keeping our community protected from registered sex offenders, we’d like to encourage you to be proactive about your safety.

In honor of April being “Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” Friday Harbor Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services will be hosting a free, five-hour self-defense workshop on April 14 for women ages 16 and up.  If there is enough interest, they might offer it on the other islands as well.

The class will be taught by certified instructors Sergeant Scott Brennan of the San Juan County Sheriff’s office, Leslie Brennan and Arian Drake-Raue. Visit www.dvsassanjuans.org for more information.

Being prepared is an important part of keeping our children and each other safe. Knowing how to spot sex offenders is one way to do that. Another is to have the tools to defend yourself in a dangerous situation. Watch for more on this topic in next week’s edition.