Madison Police offers Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class

MADISON – On Jan. 12-14, Madison Police Department will offer its Rape Aggression Defense or RAD Course, interactive self-defense classes designed to build awareness, confidence and practical response skills for everyday situations.

RAD classes are free. Classes run from 6 to 9 p.m. and are open to females who are at least 12 years old. (Males cannot attend.) Instructors encourage mothers and their daughters to attend, both for self-defense training and a positive bonding experience.

“The hands-on program is open to anyone seeking to strengthen personal safety skills in a supportive environment. Small steps taken now can make a meaningful difference later,” Detective Teresa Taylor-Duncan, who coordinates RAD, said.

Classes begin with discussions about awareness, prevention and risk reduction/avoidance. Then, classes progress to basics of hands-on defense training. RAD is not a martial arts program. Certified RAD instructors teach the course.

The class includes three evening classes. The first class is an overview and discussion on risk reduction, prevention and techniques to increase personal safety. In the second class, participants learn and practice physical defense moves. The final class simulates an attack.

“Simulation is strictly voluntary. The students can still complete the class if they choose not to volunteer, but they must be present. Students must attend all three classes to complete the course,” Taylor-Duncan said Each student receives a workbook/reference manual, which is the key to free lifetime return- and-practice policy for RAD graduates.

To register, visit madisonal. gov/522/Rape-Aggression- Defense-Course-RAD. (Another path: Visit madisonal.gov. Click “Departments,” and scroll to click “Police” at the left. Then click “Community Services” at the left, and click “Community Services” in the list.) Participants must complete “Wellness Form” and “Registration Release Form.” Parents must complete the “Parental Consent” form for girls younger than 18 years old.

After submitting registration forms, email teresa. taylor-duncan@madisonal. gov to secure a place in the class.

For more information, email teresa.taylor-duncan@ madisonal.gov.