In an effort to bolster personal safety among seniors, Kristi Hofstetter Batiste, the Fullerton Fire Department’s Emergency Manager, hosted the third installment of the “Seniors Fight Back” program at the Hunt Library on August 16, 2025. The free workshop, tailored for older adults, attracted over 25 participants. It offered crucial information on creating and maintaining a safe personal environment and how to defend oneself when necessary.

As many seniors often feel hesitant to engage due to various concerns, this program aimed to equip them with practical strategies for safety. Attendees learned about the crucial concept of situational awareness, which encourages individuals to be conscious of their surroundings and to trust their instincts when something feels off. In particular, participants were advised to choose safe spaces—ideally near exits, populated areas, and maintaining a healthy distance from potential threats.

The workshop also included hands-on training in both offensive and defensive actions. In a notable demonstration, attendees practiced how to counter an attacker by clasping hands around the attacker’s neck without interlocking fingers, emphasizing the importance of retaining mobility. The technique, demonstrated with the help of coaching staff, illustrated how to shift the advantage from the assailant to the victim, reducing the potential for harm.

Participants also learned various defensive maneuvers, including how to push an aggressor away and effectively strike using an elbow to the chest. Key techniques focused on utilizing the body’s strength efficiently while remaining aware of their surroundings.

The session ended on a high note, with attendees receiving valuable self-defense tools, including pepper spray and high-volume personal alarms, further reinforcing the program’s commitment to enhancing senior safety.

Seniors Fight Back not only served as a platform for learning self-defense but also fostered a sense of community among participants as they shared experiences and built confidence in their abilities to protect themselves.