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 Dec. 28. The location is not advertised for the privacy and security of participants but is made available after registration is completed.

The objective of the course is to learn the necessary skills to escape a perilous situation. Women will learn several self-defense techniques to help protect them from a sexual assault.

There is no charge for the class.

Pre-registration is required.

For more information, call Lt. Denise Bertrand at 985-359-8685.