Ankeny Police Course Teaches Women How to Fight Off Attackers

From an Ankeny Police Department News Release

Ankeny women can sign up now to learn how to fight off attackers and defend against sexual assaults, according to a news release from the Ankeny Police Department.

The FBI estimates that one in three women will become a victim of a sexual assault in her lifetime. To prepare women in self defense, the Ankeny Police Department has established an ongoing training program, "Rape Aggression Defense System."

RAD is the largest self-defense network in the country and is taught by certified instructors from the law enforcement community. The 12-hour course is taught in four nightly sessions. The RAD system teaches awareness, prevention, risk reduction and basic physical defense techniques. The course culminates in a "realistic simulation," giving the students the opportunity to test their abilities on a real person during a simulated attack.

RAD courses are held three times this year, with the next series of classes running October 2, 4, 9 and 11. Classes run in the evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Ankeny Police Headquarters, 411 S.W. Ordnance Road.

Cost is $30 for the course and includes a training manual, RAD T-shirt and a lifetime return practice policy. Course fees must be paid by check (payable to the City of Ankeny). Payment must be made the first day of class.

For more information or to register, contact Sgt. Stephanie Braun at 515-289-5259 or go to the Police Programs section on the city’s website www.ankenyiowa.gov.