Crime & Safety

Middlesex Sheriff to Hold Self-Defense Course for Women

The course, held in conjunction with the Concord, Tewksbury and Billerica departments, is free and begins Jan. 9.

The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office on Thursday announced an upcoming self-defense course for women.

The Rape Aggression Defense classes will be held from Jan. 9-11 at the Middlesex Sheriff's training academy, 40 Brick Kiln Rd., in Chelmsford. The MSO collaborated with the police departments in Concord, Tewksbury and Billerica for this free course, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m. each night and is available to women age 16 and over who live or work in Middlesex County.

The R.A.D. program includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, where participants are taught self-defense techniques.

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"Rape and sexual assault are violent crimes that disproportionately impact females," Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian said in a statement. "These classes are designed to teach women basic self-defense techniques, while at the same time building their confidence should they find themselves in a dangerous situation. We are proud to collaborate with our local law enforcement partners to offer this critically important program."

Women interested in participating should contact the MSO Office of Community Affairs at 978-495-7410 to register.

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Image via Middlesex County Sheriff's Office

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