Denton Police Officers Teach Women How to Fight Back

Denton police teach R.A.D. Class to women

Denton police officers are teaching women how to protect themselves and fight back if they are assaulted.

The Rape Aggression Defense Class, or R.A.D. Class, is gaining attention for teaching women how to hand out punches. For the conclusion of the class, the students gathered at the police station to face off against Denton officers on Wednesday night.

"Most women have not been in a fight," Officer Rachel Fleming said. "Most women don't know what that feels like."

The room was full of smiles and cheers as the women battled the officers.

"It's just empowering. It's good stuff," participant Samantha Kuykendall said.

The Denton Police Department puts on the class to teach women basic self-defense skills.

"It's more about being aware of your surroundings and being empowered to do something if something comes up," Lt. Mike Beutner said.

The participants learned a variety of self-defense techniques, from a basic fist to punches and kicks.

"It's just great to watch the change in their persona and watch them build a sense of self," Fleming said. "It's very rewarding," Fleming said.

In the past year, 165 aggravated assaults were reported in Denton, down a little from the previous year.

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