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SPECIAL REPORT -- [WENY]Teenager Hannah Christenson is learning how to stand up and fight back.
     Her dad brings her to this self- defense class once a week because he doesn't ever want to see her be a victim.
     "I had my daughter come to this class because I have two daughters and I can't be with them all the time and I want them to be able to defend them self if they ever get into a crisis situation," said Michael Christensen, her father.
    I went to the class with Michael's daughter, Hannah, on Tuesday Nights at Diamond Gym.
     "It's been kind of challenging," said Hannah. "Certain situations that can happen can be really frustrating and annoying."

Here are the number of domestic violence instances in 2011-- the latest numbers available, according to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services:

- Chemung County: 373
- Steuben County: 341
- Tompkins: 132
- Tioga: 116
- Schuyler: 48

     "People need to be understanding-- they are at risk. The idea of 'oh it'll never happen to me,' totally false. because things like this happen all the time," said Kent Goben, the class instructor.
     "Most sexual assaults are committed by someone who this victim know," said Lauren West of the Rape Crisis of the Southern Tier.
     One in three women will be the victim of domestic violence during her lifetime.
     That's about one billion women throughout the world.
     "A lot of times when it's happening in the household the women themselves deny it's actually happening to them. and they feel I know in a lot of situations where they feel they did something wrong to, they were the ones that caused them selves to be attacked-- they're not," said Kent Goben.
    The Rape Crisis of the Southern Tier says half of all sexual assaults aren't even reported because of the shame women may feel.
     "We don't doubt they've done everything in their power if they've been assaulted to stop the assault. We don't doubt that they let their instincts do the work for them that they fought as hard as they could," said Sarah Blagg of the Rape Crisis of the Southern Tier.
     There are resources for victims, their families and others who are concerned about domestic violence or rape.
    "There is help available, free help, we are available 24 hours a day and our services are 100 percent free, said Lauren West.

So, Don't be a victim.

Stand up and fight back.

Here are some helpful resources:

24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 1-888-810-0093
Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org/ppsfl/
Diamond Gym: www.diamondgymcomplex.com/