On November 6 and 8, women ages 15 and up learned basic, self-defense strategies from Marion Police Officer Captain Carl MacDermott III at the Music Hall. Awareness of one’s surroundings was a prime message, and participants practiced moves under assault. The program gave women confidence to protect themselves. “We learned basic self-defense stances and how to protect the face … the second night built on first-session skills,” said Cindy Macallister of Mattapoisett