The recent brutal attack of a student on campus raises the issue of self defense in the minds of many.

Laurie Gregory, who has provided defense tactics training for the Federal Probation Office for the past five years, will present a self defense workshop today in the UC Crest Room at 7 p.m.

The event, sponsored by the Women’s Coordinating Council, will provide a discussion and some demos as well as give the audience the chance to practice what they’ve learned.

“There will be a discussion about general safety,” Gregory said. “Then, I will give participants the chance to practice.”

Gregory describes her techniques as “dirty street fighting.”

“It is not martial arts,” she said. “These are skills that anyone can do; you don’t have to be fit or have a martial arts background.”

In her discussion, Gregory will teach the audience how to look for risk factors.

“There is a certain amount of risk anytime you’re away from home,” she said. “People should be aware of risk factors (and) should also trust their intuition. If something feels wrong, it probably is.”

Members of the WCC hope the event educates students.

“Campus safety is always an important issue, and in light of recent events, it’s timely,” Bonnie Buffaloe, WCC historian, said. “In general, these are things that everyone can do to be more alert.

“Furthermore, people tend to target college campuses,” she said. “I believe awareness is a necessary step in crime prevention.”

Gregory encourages both men and women to attend the event because safety is applicable to everybody.

Students attending the event should come dressed to participate.

“People should wear something comfortable like sweats – something you can move around in,” Gregory said. “I don’t think you get a lot of benefit from watching me do what I do unless you are willing to participate. I hope people will turn out and learn a few things about taking care of themselves.”