Melrose Women Offered R.A.D. Self-Defense Classes

Th Melrose Police Department will host Rape Aggression Defense courses for women this year, Chief Michael L. Lyle announced.

The class teaches basic women's self-defense. A three-day class which saw nearly 30 Middlesex County women attend was recently held in Chelmsford.

“This course is invaluable for women, as it gives them the resources to utilize self-defense techniques in emergency situations,” Chief Lyle said. “We encourage any female resident to sign up who hasn’t already completed the class.”

The upcoming schedule includes three sessions, each six hours long:

Saturday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Keychain Defense – one day only)

Sunday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (General class, which is a two-part session. Participants must commit to both days)

Classes will be held at the Mount Hood Clubhouse on Slayton Road.

Classes are limited to 16 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Melrose residents have priority. You can hold your spot with a $25 check made out to the Melrose Police Department.

The keychain defense class is a different spin on the general classes.

"The R.A.D. Keychain Defense uses realistic employment, combat effectiveness, light impact, fluid transitions and simulation training exercises to educate women," police said. "The program revolves around use of the Kubaton — a self defense device — in conjunction with physical skills."

Women can practice their skills in simulation exercises at the end of both courses.

Contact Detective Dan Ehlers at 781-979-4432 or dehlers@cityofmelrose.org to sign up.