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 City of Ankeny police department has established an ongoing training program, "Rape Aggression Defense System" (RAD).
RAD is the largest self-defense network in the country and is taught by certified instructors from the law enforcement community. The course is 12 hours in length and 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 April 24 and 26, May 1 and 3. Classes run in the evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Ankeny Police Headquarters, 411 SW Ordnance Road. Cost is $30.00 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 www.ankenyiowa.gov and select Police/Programs/RAD.
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