Dothan Police Department offers free women’s self defense course

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - A free self defense course just for women offered by the Dothan Police Department is set to begin this weekend.

R.A.D is an acronym for rape aggression defense and it is a course for women ages 12 and up to take part in discussions on existing dangers and learn self-defense techniques.

“When you look at the statistics of one in three women in their lifetime will be sexually assaulted this is our way of helping prevent that,” Lacy Schulmerich, Corporal, said.

The 12 hour class is taught over multiple days with the goal of empowering women and teaching them responses to confrontation if and when they encounter passive verbal comments or severe aggressive attacks.

“Daughters and sisters have all been told to come, but if you’re thinking about a woman who you think needs to attend then you need to attend also, this is really from every age,” Schulmerich said.

The course will be held at the Wiregrass Public Safety Center Saturday, January 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Through education, self-dependency, responsibility of decision making and realization of their power,” Schulmerich said.

Women may walk through the Wiregrass Public Safety Center doors feeling shy, but instructors say they always leave with confidence.

“Sexual assault is not always an attraction, it is a power, and so that makes us all at risk and so we need to learn how to protect ourselves,” Schulmerich said.

Starting in the classroom this Saturday, January 23rd, women will learn about lifestyle changes that help them with risk awareness and risk avoidances.

“It’s that sense of confidence really you learn so much about yourself and who you are just not have to walk through scared and just know you can protect yourself,” Schulmerich said.

Then next weekend. on January 30th they will go to the physical parts of teaching self defense techniques suitable for women of all ages.

“This is one that the techniques are very simple, you don’t have to have a degree in martial arts or anything like that, and it’s also just changing those little things in life that makes us less at risk for an attack anyway,” Schulmerich said.

No prior education is required.

Masks will be available and temperature checks will be taken upon entry of the course.

The course is limited to 25 students and instructors say the spots are filling up fast.

To sign up email speters@dothan.org or call (334)615-3908.

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