Here is the address to a well written article concerning her friend and the "Girls Fight Back" program.
http://www.thetowerlight.com/vnews/d.../3d8e6308c2bfa
Self-defense is something that needs to be second hand to us all. I'm lucky: my dad was a bouncer, my boyfriend is in the military so I was taught a lot. Plus I own a gun. In a world where serial killers and stalkers run our streets I encourage everyone to take some for of self-defense, get walked to their car at night, and carry pepper spray.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family.