The Kennesaw State University Police Department began this year’s Rape Aggression Defense classes on the Kennesaw campus on Feb. 19.
The RAD program is a twelve-hour self-defense course for women led by the KSU Police Department. The classes consist of lectures, simulations and hands-on training designed to create awareness and help women better combat dangerous situations.
“RAD classes are important for students as these classes provide an educational foundation for individuals so they may become more aware of their surroundings to ultimately reduce, recognize and avoid situations that may become harmful to that individual,” said KSU Police Department records manager Heather Tucker.
The course consists of four three-hour classes, and students must attend all of the classes to complete the program.
The classes include a lecture portion where instructors focus on risk reduction and avoidance, and they include hands-on training meant to teach students, faculty and staff members of all fitness levels and ages how to escape from an attacker.
At the end of the course, students are given a RAD manual with important information on self-defense.
“Most victims of rape are women, and assaults against women are very different from an assault that may occur toward a man, which is why RAD systems designed a class specifically for women and one specifically for men,” Tucker said.
Other ways for students to protect themselves on and off campus include ensuring drapes and shades are closed during night hours, always locking doors and cars and telling friends or family members before traveling somewhere alone, Tucker said.
RAD classes will be held Feb. 19, 21, 26 and 28 from 5-8 p.m. in the Austin Residential Complex on the Kennesaw campus.
The course is open to students and faculty free of charge. To register, email radclasses@kennesaw.edu.
