Bangor PD To Hold R.A.D. Class For Women This Month

It's an unsettling statistic, but the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault says "one in five Mainers will experience sexual assault during their lifetime."

That's 20% of Maine's population, 19,000 of them experiencing sexual violence.

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The Bangor Police Department is taking action to try to lessen those occurrences, or at the very least empower women to protect themselves against sexual aggression.

The PD will be holding a special Rape Aggression Defense course this month, tailored especially for women, right at the Police Department.

Sergeant Jason McAmbley, the Bangor PD's public information officer, says the three-day class has been designed to be empowering, fun, and not intimidating.

"Learn essential techniques to defend yourself in various situations and gain confidence in your ability to protect yourself. This in-person event will cover basic RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your personal safety and well-being!"

There is a $25 fee to take the class, but scholarships are available if someone cannot afford to participate, but still wants to. The number of women who can attend is limited, however, so if you're interested, you'll want to get your name on the list now by emailing jamie.fanning@bangormaine.gov.

Once you complete the class, you'll be allowed to return to any other class for a refresher or to practice, for the duration of your lifetime.

The session is split and starts Monday, November 18th from 4 PM to 7:30 PM. The other 2 days are Friday, November 22nd from 4 PM to 7:30 PM and the afternoon of Sunday, November 24th from 12:30 PM to 4 PM.