"She converged her fingers to a point, wrists bent slightly, so that her hands formed two "beaks." Then, she lunged. As she struck the pad with both hands, she shouted, "No!" This strike, often used to target vital points like the eyes and the groin, was one of many drills taught at the first self-defense class hosted at Hollywood Career College, a school for aspiring massage therapists in Thai Town."
"Psychiatric social worker Wanda Pathomrit helped coordinate the class as part of the Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers ' Stop the Hate project, which provides services and education for hate crime survivors. Meredith Gold of R-A-W Power, a self-defense and empowerment training program, taught the class. According to Pathomrit, the surrounding neighborhoods historically have experienced high rates of hate crimes and harassment. One victim was traumatized enough to quit being a massage therapist."
A self-defense class at Hollywood Career College taught massage students strikes targeting vital points, voice projection, and techniques to deny unwanted advances and call for help. Psychiatric social worker Wanda Pathomrit coordinated the class through the Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers' Stop the Hate project, and Meredith Gold of R-A-W Power provided instruction. Surrounding neighborhoods have historically experienced high rates of hate crimes and harassment, and stereotypes about massage work increase vulnerability to sexual and physical assaults. Some victims left the profession due to trauma. A bilingual community meeting with the Nuad Thai and Spa Association of America addressed mental health challenges and privacy concerns.
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