This summer, girls and young women can learn — at no cost — life-saving self-defense techniques during the Girls’ Safety Conference hosted by the Irving Police Department. The free class is open to all girls and young women, ages 10 through 19, residing, working or visiting in the DFW area.
Statistics show that one in every four girls will be sexually abused by the time she is an adult. The Irving Police wants girls to learn how to defend themselves, so it’s hosting a four-day rape aggression defense (RAD) class June 26 to 29 at the Irving Police Training Academy, 2603 Esters Road.
Open only to girls age 10 through 19 living, working or visiting in the DFW area, the focus of the RAD class is realistic self-defense techniques. The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, and then progresses to the basics of hands-on self-defense training. RAD is designed to engage participants in a series of hands-on, realistic, self-defense tactics and reinforce the power of the voice. Counselors from the Irving Family Advocacy Center also will teach the participants to recognize and avoid the dangers of dating violence, how to establish personal boundaries and build good self-esteem/confidence.
The course is taught by Irving police officers who are nationally certified RAD instructors. RAD Instructor Krista Meyer explains one main goal for the girls is learning to be vigilant.
“Eventually when they’re on their own, the techniques ingrained in them will be a natural reaction,” said Meyer. Girls can learn good communication skills, healthy self-esteem, dating safety, boundaries and more. The class is open to girls of all fitness levels and skill sets. Participants will work at their own pace. Girls who complete the program can return at any time to practice skills.
A parent/legal guardian must be present the first day of class to sign waivers, unless prior arrangements are made. Participants should bring their own snacks and drinks during the class. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Walk-ins the day of class are not accepted. To reserve a seat, email Officer Jill Smith or call (972) 721-2746.
