The Marion County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting courses in June and July that will teach participating women how to properly defend themselves, and registration is currently open.
MCSO’s Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Program is a free 12-hour course that is taught in four 3-hour sessions, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the MCSO multi-purpose room located at 3300 NW 10th Street in Ocala.
During the course, participants will be taught realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The comprehensive course begins with a focus on awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance, and progresses into the basics of hands-on defense training.
In June, the course will be held on the following dates:
- Session one: Monday, June 20.
- Session two: Wednesday, June 22.
- Session three: Monday, June 27.
- Session four: Wednesday June 29.
The course is also being offered in July on the following dates:
- Session one: Tuesday, July 19.
- Session two: Thursday, July 21.
- Session three: Tuesday, July 26.
- Session four: Wednesday, July 27.
Attendance is confidential and the course provides a safe environment for women to learn how to protect themselves against threats in numerous situations. According to the MCSO, the course is suitable for ages 13 and up, and comfortable/workout clothing is recommended.
To register for the program, contact Lieutenant Tracy Bazemore via email at tbazemore@marionso.com.