Comprehensive Course
R.A.D. Systems is a comprehensive 12-hour course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a martial arts program.
This system is dedicated to teaching women defense concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense/martial art tactics. This system of realistic defense will provide women with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.
The course consists of a total of 12 hours. In order to receive a certificate of completion, all participants must attend the full course. The certificate comes with a lifetime practice policy.
Register for R.A.D. Training
The class is free and includes the basic student manual. For more information or to register, submit an inquiry form.
Why R.A.D.?
- In 1988, rape victims used self-protective measures in 86.7 percent of the cases. “Rape victims were more likely to defend themselves than assault or robbery victims” (Criminal Victimization in the United States, 1988).
- 1 in 3 women can expect to be sexually assaulted in their lifetime (Cohen, A., Become Street wise, 1988).
- Every 21 hours, there is a rape on a college campus (USA Today, 7-part Campus Crime Series, 1990).
- In 1999, more than 3,000 sexual assaults were reported to Massachusetts rape crisis centers.
- U.S. Department of Justice statistics show that women in the 16- to 19-year-old and 20- to 24-year-old age groups are the two populations most vulnerable to being raped or sexually assaulted (“Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics,” U.S. Department of Justice, 1998).
- 1 in 12 college males admits to acts that are legally defined as rape or attempted rape (Mademoiselle, “Out of Bounds,” May 1991).
- 1 in 4 college women polled was sexually assaulted during four years at college (Ms. Magazine Study on Sexual Assault and Rape).
- 1.3 women are raped each minute in the United States (National Victims Center Report, 1992).
- The National Violence Against Women survey (1995-96) estimates that 17.6 percent of the U.S. female population will be victims of rape or attempted rape sometime in their lifetime (“Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics,” U.S. Department of Justice, 1998).
We operate on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate a natural desire to resist, on the part of the victim (supported by research). We educate women about “the flight or fight syndrome” while showing them that enhancing their options of physical defense is not only prudent but a necessity, if natural resistance is to be effective.
Safety and survival in today’s world requires a definite course of action. We provide effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well-being.
If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
- Get to a safe place.
- Call the police.
- Do not shower, bathe or change your clothing.
- Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible to responding officers.
For more information about sexual assault and MCPD’s response, please visit Merrimack’s sensitive incidents pages.
