BY LANCE GAITHER

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

Danville Police Department is offering free Rape Aggressor Defense, or R.A.D. classes for any woman age 13 or older.

“These classes are designed specifically for woman,” said Danville PD Capt. Over Investigations Lisa Dollins. “They focus on the strengths of woman against the weaknesses of men, like woman being stronger in their lower body. It’s really geared toward sexual assault, but it can also be used if someone is going to try and rob you or kidnap you. I think it is important for anybody in general to know basic self defense, but especially woman. Being able to protect yourself is always a good thing. The courses cover weapons as well if a female is interested in carrying one.”

The classes are accessible for the elderly.

“Where it is set up for basic self defense it is good for all ages,” Dollins said. “I’ve had older females in the classes before, if there is a move you physically can’t do it is not something I’m going to have you practice since you wouldn’t use it in a real situation.”

The Danville PD has previously offered private self defense classes and this is the second one that is open to the public. The class is broken into four classes that are three hours each.

“The first class is pretty much just me talking,” Dollins said. “We get paper work out of the way, any physical issues you may have and then basic safety. Stuff like if you are in a parking lot, go on a date, break down on the side of the road, we go over the precautions you can take in typical situations, weapons, all those sorts of things. The second class focuses on strikes and kicks, the next goes over choke holds and bear hugs. The final class goes over ground fighting and has what’s called red-man training. I have  male instructor do the red-man training to show the difference in size and strength. I’ll have a male instructor where what is called a red-man suit and act as an aggressor as we go over different scenarios.”

The classes will be held on March 20, 22, 27, and April 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Those interested in joining can contact Capt. Lisa Dollins via email at ldollins@danvilleky.gov, or call 859-936-9861.