LAPLACE — Women of all ages are encouraged to enroll in the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Rape Aggression Defense course to learn valuable self-defense skills and avoid falling victim to dangerous situations.

Held periodically throughout the year, the R.A.D. class is taught by certified instructors and is open to females of all ages.

Girls 16 years old and younger must have a parent release form and attend with a family member.

The next available course will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 6. The location is not advertised for the privacy and security of participants but is made available after online registration is completed.

The objective of the course is to learn the necessary skills to escape a perilous situation, according to Detective Ann Taylor.

“It’s important for all women to have the knowledge and ability to protect themselves from any danger,” Taylor said.

“Women are targets. The women that have participated all feel the confidence they need to be able to protect themselves, and we’ve had many people return for more classes.”

There is a $10 enrollment for first-time participants, while returnees are admitted for no charge, according to Taylor. She said those who have taken the class previously benefit from refreshing their skills and applying what they’ve learned through simulated situations with instructors.

Taylor described the class as physical and educational with a focus on building a repertoire of basic skills appropriate for the participant’s age and physical capabilities.

“We teach people only what they’re capable of,” she said. “Participants are never asked to do something they don’t think they can do.”

Taylor said participants have the option of signing up for an 8-hour basic training course or a more advanced 12-hour course including staged simulations to be held over two days. Breaks and refreshments are included.

Classes will be held more frequently if there is enough community interest, Taylor said.

Pre-registration is required and must be completed by Wednesday.

To enroll in the course, visit stjohnsheriff.org/forms/rad-course-registration and submit an online registration form.

For more information, call 985-359-8686 or 985-359-8753.