Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training is seeing an increase in sign-ups as more people seek ways to protect themselves.
BATH, Maine — A self-defense program designed to help people protect themselves in dangerous situations is seeing a surge in interest across Maine.
The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program, offered by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, has become so popular that classes now have waitlists.
RAD, which has been around since the late 1980s, is a 10-hour course typically spread out over four days. It teaches participants how to defend themselves during an attack and recognize potential dangers before they happen. Maureen Powell, one of the program’s participants, says the lessons have been valuable.
“I’ve been in situations before that I didn’t want to be in,” Powell said. “It’s definitely heightened my awareness to what’s going on around me and stopped some of those habits that might prevent me from seeing somebody coming at me and be ready for it.”
The training includes simulations of attacks, allowing students to practice their reactions in real time. Participants learn to identify risky behaviors and develop habits that improve their situational awareness.
Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Carleton, a RAD instructor, said demand has skyrocketed.
“Word of mouth has gotten out, and I just think it’s an uncertain world,” Carleton said. “People are generally looking for these types of opportunities.”
So many people have signed up that the program had to start a waitlist, raising concerns that some might have to be turned away. But the community quickly stepped up to help.
Rita Gordon, the administrative assistant at the sheriff’s office, saw the growing need for more instructors. She traveled to New Hampshire and completed a 30-hour certification course to become a licensed RAD instructor.
“It was something I found really was lacking in our community,” Gordon said. “Not just in the Bath area, but midcoast in general.”
Others are considering becoming instructors as well, including Powell, who wants to help more women learn to protect themselves.
“I think it’s important that women know enough to defend themselves or at least be aware enough to possibly discourage an attack,” Powell said.
With the increase in interest, the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office is hopeful that more departments across the state will adopt similar programs.
“We’re starting to see other departments pick up programs all over the state,” Carleton said. “I think statewide, it’s going to gain popularity as more police departments get involved.”
As demand continues to grow, the RAD program remains committed to equipping people with the skills and confidence needed to protect themselves.
To find a RAD class near you, visit RAD-Systems.com.
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