Police offer free rape defense courses

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - According to the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics a forcible rape occurs every two minutes in the United States and statistics show the crime of rape is largely underreported.  

In order to help protect citizens and reduce these statistics the Middletown Police Department is offering a Rape Aggression Defense course for women in our community.  

It's a three day self-defense course designed to provide women with the tools and confidence needed to defend themselves from potentially violent attackers.  

The program includes classroom instruction and practical exercises. Instruction is provided by Middletown Police Officers who are certified RAD instructors.

The RAD program is open to women only and participants must be at least 18 years old. However, you do not have to be a resident of Middletown to participate.

The program is free, but space is limited and slots are available on a first come, first serve basis.  

The RAD course is taught over the course of three days and participants must attend all three dates in order to complete the training.

The training will be held at the Middletown Police Department FOP Hall located at 464 Mitchell's Lane.

Here's the schedule:  

• Thursday, December 13 - 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Friday, December 14 - 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Saturday, December 15 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

The RAD course is a nationally recognized self-defense program that, when used properly, can give the participants the tools to recognize a threat and respond to it.

To register for the RAD program or for additional information, please contact: Patrol Officer Jean Young ,          Patrol Officer Brett McKinnon or Lieutenant Robert S. Nutt.