In 2002 the KSU Police Department first offered Rape Aggression Defense classes to students and faculty in an effort to educate the community on risk avoidance. Police Lts. B. Haynes and J. Ziifle now help organize and facilitate a course every semester.
“We not only teach basic self-defense and give options to escape a violent escape,” Haynes said. “We also teach good safety precautions that help to make yourself less likely to become a victim.”
The RAD course focuses on risk awareness, reduction and avoidance, and basic self-defense in case of an attack. Haynes said, “It’s all about options.” Courses are offered free of charge to all KSU students and faculty about once a semester.
Safety is the priority of KSU police department, and in response to attacks that took place on May 4 and June 7, these classes have become heavily emphasized. The police department circulated an email in May asking students to be cautious and aware that thefts and other crimes rise during the summer months.
According to the police department’s Safe and Sound website, the classes will help lower these risks by combating crimes of opportunity. It clearly states that men and women of all ages and fitness levels will be able to succeed in the course, and in learning the options available for avoiding and escaping attacks.
Though classes were originally offered only to women, KSU police department is now organizing a course for men, which they said should occur in August, in coordination with the women’s course.
RAD classes begin with a lecture, then students can participate in hands-on tactical training. Once students successfully complete the basic course, they have the option of participating in the advanced course that aims to further students’ education with more focus on self-defense.
The next sessions of RAD and advanced RAD begin in August and all students and faculty are encouraged to register. To register, contact communitycontact@kennesaw.edu or visit http://www.kennesaw.edu/police/radclass.html.
For all other KSU PD non-emergency concerns call (770)423-6206.
