For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: [email protected]

Ipswich Police Host R.A.D Class for Women and Girls

IPSWICH – Chief Paul Nikas and the Ipswich Police Department are pleased to announce the completion of the department’s most recent R.A.D (Rape Aggression Defense) basic physical defense class, free of cost last week.

A total of 24 female teachers at Ipswich Middle School and Ipswich High School and some of their daughters completed the course in March.

During a R.A.D. class, participants learn a wide range of tactics, including verbal techniques, ground defense options, escaping from bear hugs and choke holds, and much more. The practical techniques are designed to maximize the strengths of a woman’s body and build upon existing instinctive responses to provide women with effective self-defense options. At the end of the course, women practice their skills in realistic simulation exercises against an instructor in a padded suit.

Courses are taught by nationally certified instructors and are suitable for women of all ages and abilities. Over 1 million women have attended a R.A.D basic physical defense program.

“This course does not teach you to stand there and go toe-to-toe or apprehend someone attaching you,” said Chief Nikas, who is a former R.A.D instructor, himself. “The idea is to make a quick strike to stun your attacker and escape. The tools these police instructors provide are based on simple techniques that have been proven to be effective. Ultimately, this class empowers women.”

The course was taught by primary instructors, Sgt. Jason Monteiro and Officer Aaron Woodworth of the Ipswich Police Department. They were assisted by officers Danny Sinclair and Meghan Muldowney of the Newburyport Police Department.

“Each one of these police officers is a nationally certified R.A.D instructor and each one understands the dedication and compassion it takes to teach such sensitive and delicate subject matter,” Chief Nikas said. “I commend them all for the work they did during this course. The goal of Ipswich Police Department, in collaboration with the High School Administration, is to offer the R.A.D basic physical defense class to female seniors before they leave for college or the work force.”

Sergeant Monteiro commends Peabody Police Sgt. Jim Harkins and retired Wilmington Police Officer Steve LaRivee who played a major role in making the class such a huge success. These officers assisted during the last day of class, during Simulation training, where each student participates in scenario based exercises. These scenarios include role playing and require the assistance from additional police trainers.

In late spring, a free R.A.D basic physical defense class, open to the general public will be offered. Dates for this public course will to be announced on the Ipswich Police website. Class size is limited, so please check back often.

If you are interested in attending this course or a regional course, please contact Sergeant Jason Monteiro at [email protected] or Officer Aaron Woodworth at [email protected] and express your interest.

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