By Lindsay Doty
It’s the kind of class that could change your life forever. The Plainfield Police Department held its 16th Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class this month where around 20 women of all ages were able to learn tactics to protect themselves.
The program is a comprehensive course for women only that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training.
Officers wearing large orange defense suits assisted with realistic demonstrations and techniques. The classes got a warm response online and organizers hope to grow the numbers.
“This class was SO empowering! Every woman of any age (over 12) needs to take this class! You will learn so much!” Julie Winship, who was encouraged to take the class by some female friends, said.
“I think every female should take this class,” she continued. “Too often, some women think things like having mace with them will keep them safe. That just isn’t true. I learned so many different ways to protect myself in many different situations. The instructors are incredible and did an amazing job making sure each one of us understood what they were teaching. They also helped to modify some of the techniques if anyone had any health restrictions.”
RAD started in the 80s to give women an affordable option to learn how to protect themselves.
The classes are free to the public and are posted one month before sessions begin. Participants must be 12 and over.
