Middlesex Sheriff's Office Completes First Rape Aggression Defense Course

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MA – Close to 30 women from across Middlesex County completed the first Middlesex Sheriff's Office Rape Aggression Defense program, held earlier this month in Chelmsford.

The three-day, basic women's self-defense course was taught by instructors from the sheriff's office in conjunction with the Billerica, Concord and Tewksbury police departments. Participants ranged from ages 16 to 63.

"I want to thank all of our instructors and partners for their work," Middlesex Sheriff Peter
Koutoujian said in a statement. "R.A.D. is an incredible program that combines classroom education with dynamic hands-on exercises, which prepare women - both mentally and physically - to be able to respond in threatening situations."

The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program was founded in Virginia in 1989 and teaches self-defense tactics to women through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training exercises. Since its inception, more than 900,000 women have received RAD training, according to the sheriff's office. The program also offers courses specifically designed for kids, seniors and men.

"The feedback we have received from participants in our first class has been overwhelmingly positive,"
said Sheriff Koutoujian. "We look forward to growing the program and continuing to support existing
classes across the county, as we have for the past year."

To learn more about the R.A.D. Program please contact the Office of Community Affairs at 978-495-7408 or visit the MSO website.

Photo submitted by the Middlesex County Sheriff's office.