Self Defense Awareness Urged in Wake of GI Sexual Assault

By: Steve Ross Email

Updated: Fri 6:48 AM, Sep 28, 2012

Grand Island Police say a sexual assault on an 18 year-old female happened late Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning on the two hundred block of Grand Island's West Tenth Street.

Authorities say 26-year-old Dion Watt of Grand Island is now charged with four counts related to an alleged incident of sexual assault, including possession of a stolen firearm.

Police arrested three men in connection with the sexual assault.

Because officials say the victim knew the men, Grand Island Police urge caution when going out, even with acquaintances.

"Don't put yourself into a situation where something like this can happen. Go in groups. Don't become intoxicated, or using drugs... Don't make it easy for the, for anybody, and just be aware of your surroundings," said Grand Island Police Department Officer Butch Hurst.

And, prudence can be supplemented with preparation.

Instructor Becky Adams of Grand Island's Third City Taekwondo martial arts academy says "PPCT," or "pressure point control tactics" are one possible response to physical assaults.

"There's not that many of the pressure point control tactics and it's very easy to remember. Most people's problem is they've never hit anyone or anything with enough force to stop somebody," Adams explained.

Adams says if you can learn just a few self defense moves, it might buy you the time you need to make a getaway.

"It gives immediate and quick reactions to the majority of people, and it's very surprising when somebody knows how to use it," commented Adams.

Adams says it's easy to find out more ways to defend yourself -- a quick internet search on the term "PPCT defensive tactics" brings up instructions for the self -defense moves.

As for Dion Watt, he is scheduled to appear again in Hall County Court on November 20th.

Charges against the other two arrestees were dropped.

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