Sexual assault crimes are a harsh reality.
The Auburn Police Division (APD), in conjunction with Auburn Parks and Recreation, is aiming to defeat the statistics and empower women.
Rape Aggression Defense Systems (RAD) is a national program dedicated to "challenge society to evolve into an existence where violence is not an acceptable part of daily life," according to their mission statement.RAD's partnership with the APD occurred when the department realized the need for the program.
"We already had several officers who were trained RAD instructors," said Capt. William Mathews of the APD.
Then, it was only a matter of getting the classes offered to the community. The APD reached out to Dana Stewart, Special Programs coordinator for Auburn Parks and Recreation.
"I'm not a cop," Stewart said. "I'm just your average, everyday woman, so when I agreed to become an RAD-certified instructor, it was intimidating."
After a three-day course of hands-on training and passing a series of tests, Stewart received her certification.
"When I passed, I was proud, and I feel like if something ever happened, I could take care of myself -- that I could kick butt," Stewart said.
Stewart said the techniques are simple, but when presented with a bad situation, women often tend to freeze up, and the best weapon she has is her voice.
When a woman is in danger, the best thing to do is scream, Stewart said.
Tiffany Scott and her 12-year-old daughter are participating in the classes. Scott said with her daughter getting older, she knew she needed to be able to defend herself against danger.
"I never want my daughter to feel helpless," Scott said.
The classes consist of hands-on training from three different instructors.A PowerPoint presentation the first day explains what the course will cover. Following classes include physical activity, so participants should bring water.
The classes are free to the public, and include morning and evening sessions. In the spring, the program plans to get involved with local schools.
Williams said it is extremely important to teach the need to be aware of surroundings at an early age.
Stewart said before her involvement in the course, she didn't realize how unaware she was.
"It's easy to be on your phone or distracted in some way, but it's important to know what's around you at all times," Stewart said. "You don't have to be paranoid, just aware."
Scott said if anyone is interested in the class they should "come out; it's free hands-on teaching, and it's a workout."
Stewart said the goal of the class is to empower women by showing them that they never have to feel helpless.
"I highly recommend this course," Stewart said. "It helps teach you how to be alert, and more importantly how to help yourself."
Anyone interested in signing up for the course should contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at 334-501-2939.
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