The Lawrence Police Department will hold a nine-hour Rape Aggression Defense class for up to 20 participants over two weekends in September and October.
“The RAD program is a comprehensive self-defense program specifically designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves against various forms of assault, including sexual assault,” according to a news release from the department.
“It is led by 2 female LKPD certified RAD instructors, and it is open to individuals of all ages and fitness levels, although it is tailored for women and this initial class will be best suited for those college age or older,” the release continued.
Key components of the training include physical techniques, risk reduction strategies, verbal assertiveness and simulated scenarios, according to the release.
Participants must attend both scheduled sessions. The first is set for 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, and the second is at the same time Saturday, Oct. 5 at LPD’s Training Center, 4820 Bob Billings Parkway.
Those who are interested must register at bit.ly/RADclassLKPD.
More classes may be scheduled depending on the community’s response, according to the release. Those who have questions can email Officer Bailey Salsbury at bcsalsbury@lkpd.org.
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Resources for survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence or trauma, please seek the help that’s right for you. There are many options available, and you don’t have to file a police report if you don’t want to.
Get 24/7 help in Lawrence: The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
- Call 785-843-8985 to reach an advocate, 24/7. (Consider saving that number in your phone in case you or someone you know ever needs it.)
- After an assault: What are my options? Check this page for detailed information about
- talking to an advocate,
- going to the hospital,
- making a police report,
- and/or talking to a counselor or therapist.
- On campus? Check this page for specific resources for the University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University, Ottawa University and more.
Resources on KU’s campus:
- Contact CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Services: KU students can make an appointment online at careservices.ku.edu, by email, care@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-9255. It’s free, confidential and voluntary to talk with the CARE Coordinator. All genders welcome. Read more here.
- Find more KU campus resources at this link. Specific information about sexual assault exams can be found under the “Medical Care” tab.
- Connect with KU CARE Companions on Instagram. (Note: CARE Companions are KU students in the Panhellenic community that offer peer support and info about resources, but this is not an advocacy service like others listed here.)
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
More resources
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives that is culturally appropriate.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
