Rape defense class sponsored by Laconia Police and Parks and Recreation

Published Date

LACONIA – In a joint effort between the Laconia Police and the Department of Parks and Recreation, the annual RAD – or Rape Aggression Defense – program begins February 6 at the Laconia Community Center.
According to two of the three program instructors – Patrol Officers Kendra Neri and Steve Orton – RAD teaches women basic defense skills to prevent an assault.
Both officers explained that RAD is not a martial arts program and the whole purpose is self-awareness and education.
Neri said the program is for women from all walks of life with the goal of teaching women how to escape an attacker and how to avoid becoming a potential victim in the first place.
"The woman who acts like a victim is more likely to be a victim," Neri said.
All RAD programs are a minimum of nine hours of instruction. In Laconia the class runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning February 6. The class ends with a three-hour session where women will be able to test some of the skills they've learned on a well-protected Orton.
Neri said the class size is limited to 20 women. There is a cost of $20 but Capt. Matt Canfield said interested women shouldn't be deterred if the fee is prohibitive.
Registration is at the Community Center at 306 Union Avenue. Participants should wear loose clothing and sneakers.