EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Department will conduct a series of self-defense classes for women presented in conjunction with RAD, Rape Aggression Defense Systems Inc.
The RAD system is described as a basic self-defense course for females. Officers trained in this program provide attendees with information, tactics and considerations, which have been determined to be useful to various types of abductive encounters perpetrated against women.
“It’s a very empowering class,” said EPPD Sergeant Maari Stainer, who oversees the program along with Officers Tammy David and Pat Conaty.
“We teach women to maximize their strength in a situation when they’re against a stronger aggressor. We also teach them to become aware of surroundings,” Sgt. Stainer continued. “We provide them with options and how they can go about protecting themselves on a daily basis, especially when they’re on their own. Again, it’s a very empowering class for women. It helps them develop a more safer environment at work and at home.
The RAD program is a series of six, three-hour classes held twice a week for three weeks. Times and dates are as follows: Mondays, March 4, 11 and 18 and Wednesdays, March 6, 13 and 20. The classes run each evening from 6 to 9 p.m. and will be held at the East Providence Senior Center.
“The classes are there to help the women of East Providence,” Officer Conaty explained. “It’s there to give them the confidence to deal with a threatening situation.”
Registration is required at the East Providence Police Station located at 750 Waterman Avenue. Space is limited. The cost of the program is a one-time $20 fee. For more information contact Sgt. Stainer (435-1947), Officer David (433-6230) or Officer Conaty (435-7664).