What is R.A.D.?

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training.

R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth, and is the key to our free lifetime return and practice policy for R.A.D. graduates.

Free Return Policy

The University of Maine Department of Public Safety offers R.A.D. self-defense for women FREE of charge.
Once a woman has graduated from the class, she becomes a lifetime member. Once completed, she can go anywhere in the United States and Canada where R.A.D. is offered and attend a class for free, providing that there is room in the class. She can attend the entire course or just a simulation to brush up on her techniques.

Instructors

Instructors for the University of Maine R.A.D. program are members of the various divisions of Public Safety. The program began in 1995 with only two instructors teaching the Basic Physical Defense Program. The program has expanded its number of instructors and course offerings to include Basic Self-defense as well as the Advanced Self-Defense option.

The R.A.D. Instructor believes that self-defense should be easy to learn, easy to retain, and easy to employ during real confrontational situations. The R.A.D. Instructor believes that self-defense training should be accessible and affordable for all women and children. They believe their efforts to oppose violence will be more effective together, than as individuals. As a network, the R.A.D. Instructor can assist one another with programs, equipment, references, experiences and insight. Because of their commitment to the R.A.D. program, they are able to offer a free return policy.