By Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
INWOOD — Recent attacks against women in Inwood Hill Park have inspired a group of moms to take a self-defense class being offered by the Guardian Angels.
Two women were sexually assaulted in the park earlier this year, and a mother mugged this month while walking with her 17-month-old son. A group of women reached out to the Guardian Angels, who began patrolling Inwood Hill Park in September, to organize a free class.
"I think a self-defense class is a good idea," Inwood mom Nadia Pryadko said. "At the very least, should you be forced to fight, at least you can have some clue."
The class will be held Dec. 3, and the group of women is looking for an indoor community where they can hold the class.
Although mothers from Inwood and Washington Heights said they hope to never come face to face with an attacker, they at least want to know what to do in the situation. At least one Upper Manhattan mother said she also plans to enroll her 15-year-old daughter in the class.
Washington Heights resident and Guardian Angel Benjamin "E.Q." Garcia said he was happy to hear that the women were so engaged and invited all women from the area to take part in the class.
"These women need to show the bad guys out there that they should not be messed with," Garcia said. "We hope it never has to come to that, but at least they will be trained to defend themselves."
Those interested in taking the Guardian Angels led class on Dec. 3 should contact Garcia at 917-560-2236.
