The statistics are disturbing: Every 68 seconds someone is sexually assaulted in America; three women a day are murdered by their partner; one in six American women have been the victim of attempted or completed rape in their lifetime; 15 percent of sexual assaults occur in an open or public place; college-aged women are three times more likely to be a victim of sexual assault; and women are more likely to be victimized by someone they know.
The Turlock Police Department is aiming to fight back against these statistics by teaching women self-defense tactics and techniques through the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course.
RAD courses will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 2 and 9 at the Senior Citizen Center in Turlock.
Nationally certified instructors will be teaching the two-day course that focuses on awareness, prevention, risk reduction avoidance and hands-on self-defense.
“The mission of the R.A.D. Systems is to establish an accessible, constantly improving and internationally respected alliance of dedicated Instructors,” said RAD Director of Instructional Development and Founder Lawrence N. Nadeau. “These Instructors in turn, will provide educational opportunities for women, children, men and seniors to create a safer future for themselves. In doing this, we challenge society to evolve into an existence where violence is not an acceptable part of daily life.”
Attendees must attend both classes and be over 15 years old. To attend the course an individual must live, work or attend school in Turlock, and youth must have approval from a parent or guardian.
According to Nadeau, R.A.D. is the only self-defense program ever endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, National Academy of Defense Education, the National Self- Defense Institute and Redman Training Gear.
To register and get more information, contact TPD Crime Prevention Specialist Erika Grace at (209) 656-3152 or egrace@turlock.ca.us. Space will be limited.
RAD courses are available to everyone and for more information on that individuals should contact the Stanislaus State University Police Department at (209 )667-3122.
