R.A.D. Systems Defense Classes Offered in May

The Bedford and Goffstown Police Departments are offering a free R.A.D. Systems Defense class for the women of their communities, according to a press statement.

This program is available to women over the age of 18 and is designed to meet the needs of all ability levels.

The R.A.D. System offers a basic education of confrontation principles and personal defense. R.A.D. is designed to help women overcome the effects of sexual harassment and sexual violence by teaching assertiveness, risk awareness, risk reduction, risk recognition, risk avoidance and physical defense strategies.

Self-Defense is more than knowing how to fight back against a physical attack. Participation in self-defense classes encourages one to think in terms of options and choices, develops one’s awareness and assertiveness skills, and provides practice for physical self-defense techniques. This R.A.D. course will expand the way you think about violence prevention, help you deal with your fears and enable you to feel more empowered in your life.

Bedford Town Clerk Lori Radke is a former instructor of the R.A.D. program.

“As a former instructor of R.A.D., I know firsthand how impactful this program can be. R.A.D. is designed to give participants the tools necessary to survive an attack. R.A.D. also teaches awareness, which should always be the first line of defense. Participating in the R.A.D. program is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.”

The R.A.D. class meets two nights a week over a two¬week period from 6 to 9 p.m. Dates for the course are May 26, and 28, and June 2, and 4. Classes will be held at Memorial School located at 55 Old Bedford Rd., Bedford, NH. Students interested in taking this course must be able to commit to attending all four sessions. Free refreshments and free t-shirts will be provided to all participants.

Please contact Sgt. Jessica Humphrey at 603-472-5113 or jesshumphrey@bedfordnh.org and/or Officer Jacqueline Pelletier 603-497-4858 or jpelletier@goffstownnh.gov to register. The deadline to register is May 18. Class size is limited, and enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis.