RAPE AGGRESSION DEFENSE (RAD)
The Rape Aggression Defense system was developed by a gentleman named Lawrence Nadeau to provide self-defense training for women to combat various types of assaults. The course focuses on education of confrontation principals and personal defense. Mr. Nadeau’s objective for this program is, “To develop and enhance the options of self-defense, so they may become viable considerations to the woman who is attacked.”
In September of 2003, the Wakefield Police Department accepted the challenge of beginning its own Rape Aggression Defense program. Sergeant Steve Skory, Officer William Dalton and former Wakefield Police Officer Janine Camilia-Smith attended a three day training course to become certified instructors in the RAD Basic Physical Defense program. This certification course consisted of three 14 hour training days that included both classroom and hands-on physical defense instruction. In 2007, Officer Meghan Leary became a certified RAD instructor and joined the team.
This basic course that is offered by the Wakefield Police Department consists of four sessions, with each session being approximately four hours in length. The class begins with a lengthy discussion on personal safety and the measures that can be taken to improve one’s overall safety. Personal safety is about being aware of your surroundings, recognizing potential threats and avoiding those threats to reduce your chances of becoming a victim. This simple process makes up ninety percent of self-defense. Some of the topics we discuss include home security, safety related to your automobile, using public transportation and tips for dating relationships.
Sometimes being attacked is unavoidable. Because of this, we offer three nights of instruction in easy-to-learn self-defense techniques. This is not a martial arts class, but an opportunity for women to learn realistic self-defense tactics and techniques that will help them escape from an attacker and reach safety. These techniques were specifically designed for women to consider as options for defense when confronted with a potentially life-threatening situation.
On the final night of instruction, we offer students the opportunity to participate in simulated exercises. Students have the opportunity to apply the skills they learned during this course in real-life situations. Participation in the simulation exercises is not mandatory, but is recommended because it can be an empowering experience. Many students find they have strength and courage they never knew they had.
Since 2003, over 350 women ranging in age from 13 years old to 87 years old have participated in and successfully completed the Wakefield Police RAD program. There are no failures. This course is a fulfilling experience that will make any woman feel empowered and confident in her ability to protect herself.
When RAD classes become available, they will be posted on our website.
Thank you,
Sgt. Steven Skory
Please feel free to contact any of the RAD instructors via email to enroll in the next class:
More information about the RAD Basic Physical Defense course, as well as other RAD courses can be found on the official RAD website located at:
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