Houma Police Department

R.A.D. Program

The Need for R.A.D. in Terrebonne Parish

Houma Police Department recognizes a special need for the physical safety of women in Terrebonne Parish and the City of Houma. Because of this need, the Houma Police Department offers self defense courses for women, ages 12 and up, on a monthly basis. This assertive 12 hour course meets at each location for three nights, four hours each night. Training sites are located at the Houma Police Department, Terrebonne General Medical Center, and the Terrebonne Parish Recreation Centers. This preventative course teaches a woman how to defend herself against an aggressive assault through using only her personal weapons. The course consists of lecture, technique demonstrations, group practice, and one-on-one confrontations in protective gear against an instructor. The course is free and meets or exceeds all guidelines of a self-defense program prepared by the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault. The Police Department also offers lectures to various civic clubs and organizations throughout the parish upon request.

What is the R.A.D. System

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive course for woman that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide you with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth.

The R.A.D. System of Physical Defense is currently being taught at many Colleges and Universities. The growing, wide spread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity and effectiveness of our tactics, solid research, legal defensibility and unique teaching methodology. The Rape Aggression Defense System is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense/martial arts tactics. Our system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.

We operate 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 woman about "The Flight or Fight 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. We provide effective options by teaching woman to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well being.

What is Rape Aggression Defense? R.A.D. is a Female Self-Defense program designed to combat sexual assault and rape. This program is designed for the average woman who chooses to use the option of physical self-defense.

R.A.D. is taught by certified instructors and is endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. The course is physically and mentally challenging, however, it is also taught in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The following areas are covered in class:

Awareness - Awareness and risk reduction discussion covering such issues as home and personal safety, date rape, carrying mace and/or other weapons.
Technique - Self-defense techniques that can be used in a variety of confrontational situations.
Simulation - Realistic simulation attack where officers are dressed in padded equipment to give class participants the opportunity to practice their techniques.