MADISON – Women in Madison can gain confidence and understand defensive moves in a class that Madison Police Department is offering.

The department has announced that registration is open for “Rape, Aggression, Defense” or RAD classes for September. The RAD class is a free program of self-defense tactics and techniques for women.

“The RAD system is a women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training,” Teresa Taylor-Duncan said. Taylor-Duncan works as a Detective in Madison Police Department.

Certified RAD instructors will teach the course. Classes will be conducted at City Hall, 100 Hughes Road.

The RAD program is taught in three evening classes from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 23, 24 and 25. Each student receives a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire physical defense program for reference and continuous growth. The document, which is free, serves as the key to the lifetime return-and-practice policy for RAD graduates.

The first class is an overview and includes discussion on risk reduction, prevention and techniques to increase personal safety. The second class consists of learning and practicing physical defense moves.

“The final class is a simulation of an attack,” Taylor-Duncan said. “Simulation is strictly voluntary, and the students can still complete the class if they choose not to volunteer, but they must be present. Students must attend all three classes to complete the course.”

The RAD course involves discussions about risk assessment and risk awareness. “For obvious reasons, the class is never taught to males. Mothers and daughters who are 12 years old and older are encouraged to attend,” Taylor-Duncan said.

RAD is not a martial arts program.

To register, visit madisonal.gov. In the “LATEST NEWS” section, click the box with the RAD announcement. On the next window, click the “Registration Form” link.

In same window, click the “Wellness Information Form” link to complete health details. In addition, click the “Parental Consent Form” link to complete the waiver for a daughter to enroll.

Before the class date, applicants must return the forms to teresa.taylor-duncan@madisonal.gov.

For more information on RAD, call Taylor-Duncan at 256-772-5658.