The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has adopted the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Systems Basic Women's Self Defense Program as part of its community outreach and crime prevention education programming.

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Systems is an international organization of certified instructors who work to combat the issues of violence against women. This class is 12 hours long. The class is designed for women age 14 and older, of any physical ability. In this class, women begin by learning simple risk awareness and avoidance strategies. They then learn proper blocking, striking and kicking techniques. The class continues with women learning techniques for escaping wrist grabs, bear hugs, choke holds and being pinned on the ground or against a wall. The class concludes with a simulation exercise where participants are given an opportunity to use the techniques learned in a safe training environment.

There will be two classes offered in September and October. Each class will be broken down into two sessions.

The first class is scheduled Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 from 10 a.m to 4:30 p.m. each day at The Grange at the Meadows, 3692 Meadows Blvd. Castle Rock.

The second class is scheduled for Oct. 15 and 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch.

Tuition for the class is $30 and class size is limited to 20 students. Registration information and forms can be obtained by going to the Sheriff's Office website, www.dcsheriff.net. Go to the Programs drop down menu to Community Resources. Then click on the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) link.

If you have questions, contact Leeta McClard, Training Division, 303-660-7511 or lmcclard@dcsheriff.net.