Portland Police Dept. to Host Rape Aggression Defense Course

The R.A.D (Rape Aggression Defense) course for women is coming to Portland, Maine.

According to the Forecaster, five classes will take place at the Portland Police Department, and participants will be taught a variety of personal safety tips and physical self-defense techniques. The first four classes are set for 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 16, 18, 23 and 25. The last class is scheduled for 8 a.m to noon on Sept. 27.

“The R.A.D. Systems of Self Defense offers programs for women, children, men and seniors,” the Rape Aggression Defense website reads. “These offerings provide a truly holistic approach to self defense education, supporting the necessity of continuous learning in order to provide realistic options for each population as they go through life. Each of these programs includes educational components comprised of lecture, discussion, physical resistive strategies.”

The cost to attend the Portland, Maine R.A.D. course is $25 and the deadline to register is Sept. 10. All proceeds will benefit the Amy St. Laurent Foundation, named in memory of Amy St. Laurent, a young woman who was murdered in 2001. To register, visit the Foundation website, email PPDRAD@portlandmaine.gov, or call 874-8643.