photo by: Lawrence Police Department

The Lawrence Police Department plans to offer a Rape Aggression Defense, or RAD, class this fall.

The RAD program is a comprehensive self-defense program specifically designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves against various forms of assault, including sexual assault, according to a news release from LPD Wednesday.

The class will be led by two female LPD-certified RAD instructors, and it is open to individuals of all ages and fitness levels, although it is tailored for women. The initial class will be best suited for those college age or older, according to the release.

The key components of RAD training include:

• Physical Techniques: Participants learn basic self-defense techniques taught in a safe and controlled environment.

• Risk Reduction Strategies: Participants learn to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations, as well as strategies for de-escalating confrontations.

• Verbal Assertiveness: RAD teaches participants how to assert themselves verbally in threatening situations, including how to clearly and confidently communicate boundaries and seek assistance.

• Simulated Scenarios: Scenarios provide valuable hands-on experience and help participants build confidence in their ability to defend themselves.

The training is a nine-hour course that will be held in two sessions to maximize retention. Participants must attend both sessions. The first one will be Sept. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the second one will be Oct. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register, go online to https://bit.ly/RADclassLKPD. This initial offering has just 20 slots, but more could be scheduled depending on community response.