Officer Shares Defense Tactics in Free Program

According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), females ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. Grain Valley’s R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Training seeks to educate teens and women about the risks they face and arm them with tools to reduce the possibility of becoming a victim.

Officer Daniel Iiams with the Grain Valley Police Department will present R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Training, a free, 4-day course at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley, beginning October 30th. This is the 5 th session Iiams has offered in the community.

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

“We talk about how to park cars in parking lots to avoid danger. When you return home at night, there are a number of things you can do to help keep your home safe. Simple steps like ensuring proper lighting and keeping bushes trimmed. The class builds on the basics of being aware of your surroundings and reducing risks to learning some hands-on defense training,” Iiams said.

Iiams recalled one woman who became overwhelmed with emotion during a simulation activity. She stepped away to regroup and shared her story with Iiams.

“She was attending with her daughter so that her daughter would not become a victim as well. You become invested in the girls as they go through this program, and it can get a little tough to run the physical simulations and talk like a ‘bad guy’. But it is important to give them the skills they need to protect themselves,” Iiams said.

Iiams emphasizes that the classes are open to all ability levels and all attendees can participate at their own comfort level. “If there’s a time when you feel uncomfortable, you can just sit and watch and listen,” Iiams said.

Outside of the R.A.D. Program, Officer Iiams partners with the University of Central Missouri to present one-hour classes for graduating seniors at GVHS, addressing risk reduction and avoidance techniques to consider as they enter college.

R.A.D. Training sessions will be held October 30th, November 1st, November 6th, and November 8th from 5:30pm— 8:30pm at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley, 207 West Walnut Street.

The course is open to young women and adults, generally ages 14 and older. Iiams emphasized that it is up to parents to determine when the program is appropriate for their teen, and he is available to discuss the program and any questions prospective attendees may have.

Only 20 seats are available for this free course. To register for the event, contact Officer Iiams at 816-847-5000 ext. 2019 or 816-847-6250.