Milford Police To Conduct Rape Aggression Defense Course

MILFORD, NH — It's not a comfortable situation for most teen girls and women to think about or discuss. But it is one where Milford Police Detective David Duquette said being as prepared for as possible can help save a potential victim from a violent attack.

That's why Duquette is teaching the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course for women through the Milford Police Department on Nov. 4, 6, 11 and 13 at the Milford Police Department. The free class focuses on the importance of awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance to help minimize the chances of a violent attack, while also teaching the basics of self-defense training.

"In teaching this course I've come to a better understanding of just how empowering and necessary self-defense is for women," Duquette said. "Because a violent encounter can occur anywhere, or at any time, I believe that it is critical everyone has the ability to protect one's self and avoid becoming overly depending on others."

Duquette said the nationally recognized course had been taught through the Milford Police Department in the past, but that he decided to offer it again two years ago after an uptick in inquiries. Duquette graduated from the New Hampshire Police Academy in 2004 and became a certified Police Defensive Tactics Instructor in 2009.

"Whether someone is soon to be headed off to college, or has maybe been the victim of domestic violence in the past, this program focuses on the importance of awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while also providing women with the basics of self-defense training," Duquette said.

While this course is limited to eight participants, who are encouraged to attend all four sessions, Duquette said future courses will be added in Milford to suit demand. The class will conclude with a dynamic simulation that gives the participants the opportunity to use what they have learned in realistic "training" scenarios against aggressors wearing special safety equipment.

Duquette said that due to the sensitive nature of the topics and situations discussed in the course, the minimum age of participation is 16 years old.

More information on the course can be found here.