The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. This comprehensive, women-only course begins with awareness, prevention, and risk reduction/risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. RAD is not a Martial Arts program. The courses are taught by nationally certified RAD Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual.

Sergeant Jason Lavoie, Officer Donna Briggs, Officer John McGregor, and Legal Assistant Tracy Carney are the certified instructors for the Hudson Police Department. These instructors are dedicated to teaching women defense concepts and techniques against various types of assault by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense tactics. Our system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance and/or other viable options.

RAD operates 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 Fight or Flight Syndrome" while showing them that enhancing their option of physical defense is not only prudent, but also a necessity if natural resistance is to be effective.

Safety and survival in today's world requires a definite course of action. RAD provides effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well being.

For more information on RAD, or to schedule a class with your Hudson organization or female work force (must have 10-25 participants), contact:

r.a.d.KIDS is a personal empowering, awareness and safety education program for children aged 5-7 and 8-10. The program combines risk reduction education and physical defense training in hopes of preventing the abduction of children. It provides a consistent, structured, proactive curriculum utilizing fun, interactive exercises creating a dynamic learning environment. General safety topics include, but are not limited to:

• School Safety
• Home Safety
• Out-and-About Safety
• Vehicle Safety
• Personal Safety
• Physical Defense

r.a.d.KIDS was developed by a group of concerned parents, law enforcement professionals, and self-defense experts with the following objective:

"to provide educational opportunities for children and parents, concerning awareness and self defense strategies, instilling confidence and reducing the possibility of adverse physical control and/or harm."

Why r.a.d.KIDS?

The 1988 National Incidence Study of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, or Thrownaway Children "(NISMAART) reported that an estimated 3,200 to 4,600 short-term non-family abductions were known to law enforcement in 1988. Of these, an estimated 200-300 were stereotypical kidnappings where a child is gone overnight, is killed, is transported a distance of 50 miles or more, or is being detained by a perpetrator who intends to keep the child permanently."

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) estimated that nationwide about 17,000 girls under age 12 were raped in 1992.

According to the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse's (NCPCA's) 1996 Annual Fifty State Survey" an estimated 969,000 children were substantiated as victims of child abuse and neglect in 1996.

For more information about r.a.d.KIDS, or to schedule a class with your Hudson youth organization contact: