After Rittenhouse Assault, A Community Meeting

Women fear for their safety, seek defense classes.

A post-assault “community awareness meeting” was held in the Rittenhouse neighborhood Wednesday night, days after a 26-year-old woman was raped at her apartment after an evening in Center City. A 28-year-old restaurant worker has been charged with the crime.

Fox 29 reports on the meeting:

Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and the Center City Residents Association brought together several organizations to talk about safety.

“I’m a young woman. I live in the city and I sometimes don’t feel comfortable walking around by myself at night,” said Abigail Simons. She and many women were interested in the self defense demonstration presented during the meeting. There are free classes offered around the city.

“At the end of the day that might be the only thing that will protect you from a predator,” said Tyemah Sanchez.

City officials say they may create a “more-active” Town Watch program in Center City. [Fox 29]