Rape, Aggression and Defense Program Offered To Edison Women

EDISON, NJ — The Edison Police Department will host another Rape, Aggression and Defense (RAD) self-defense course in April.

This free course is offered only to female Edison residents, the department noted.

This is the department's fourth RAD class, said the program coordinator, Detective Shirley Dong.

"Our first month-long session took place in June of 2022. Chief Tom Bryan and the Community Oriented Policing Unit adopted the RAD women’s self-defense program to empower women, especially given the surge in violent crimes against Asians nationwide post-COVID-19," she said.

Instructors include Sgt. Lisa Cimmino, Neel Patel, Detective Jovanni Innocent, Chris Di Palo, and Dong.

"We all underwent a week-long training course where we learned to role-play as both victims and aggressors," Dong said.

Each class typically has around 20 registered women.

"We've received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. They particularly commend the final day, where they put into practice all the techniques learned over the preceding three weeks of the month-long program. Using these skills in a real-life mock situation, they've expressed feeling 'empowered' and mentally and physically stronger," she said.

The program also instructs women on how to identify potential dangers and avoid placing themselves in vulnerable or compromising situations altogether, she added.

The RAD program is a 12-hour course, presented in three-hour blocks Wednesdays in April.

Instruction consists of classroom lecture, physical demonstrations, and repetitive practice. Then there is the simulation exercise on the final day of the course. Participation in this simulation is not required but it is encouraged.

This program will take place on Wednesdays in April: April 3, 10, 17 and 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Edison Public Safety Center, 205 Raritan Center Parkway.

To be accepted, you must be an Edison resident of at least 18 years of age.

The last day to register is Monday, April 1. Openings are limited.

If you are interested in participating, contact Detective Shirley Dong by phone at 732-248-6457 or by email at Sdong@edisonpd.org.