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| Students learn self-defense through RAD classes |
by Lindsey Christensen
CHR01014@BYUI.EDU
Scroll Staff |
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Three of four American women will fall victim to violent crime at some time in their lives, but no one has to be a statistic. Women have a choice. Experts agree the single most important factor in surviving criminal attack is to have an overall safety strategy before needing it. Women can learn the personal safety tips and techniques needed to avoid dangerous situations and avoid becoming a victim, according to www.angelfire.com.
One way to learn these personal safety tips and techniques is through the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program, founded by Lawrence N. Nadeau. RAD’s instructional objective is “to develop and enhance the options of self defense, so they may become viable considerations to the woman who is attacked,” Nadeau said.
RAD helps women test their skills on a real person during a simulated attack. A case study of 150 sexually assaulted women who reported to the police, found that women who are forceful about resisting a would-be rapist are less likely to be raped, and/or injured, than those who do not resist, according to www.nd.edu.
Amy Chandler, a junior from Twin Falls, Idaho, had a positive experience when she took the RAD course last year at BYU-Idaho.
“I believe that the greatest thing that RAD did for me was just make me more aware of the situations that life brings. ... All the small lessons bundled up led to one huge, great experience. Probably the hardest part of the course was finding the inner strength to put the lessons into practice when it was appropriate. You have to already have your mind made up that if you need to take action in self-defense ... regardless of who it is with. I definitely feel a greater self-confidence. I find myself much more aware of my surroundings and situations, and I feel so much more prepared to face any conflicts that may arise. It really does create a safe feeling. I have yet to use my skills! Hopefully I never will have to put them to practice, but I’m grateful for the knowledge that I have just in case,” Chandler said.
Sergeant Doug Bunker of the BYU-Idaho Division of the Rexburg Police Department is a campus instructor for the course.
Currently there are two classes offered with about 20 girls participating. The first lesson involves a power-point presentation, giving basic information about self-defense and avoiding certain situations.
The second and third lessons teach the girls how to kick and punch, along with different escaping techniques.
Finally, the fourth lesson involves simulation training where the instructors put on a red suit — a full body suit for their protection. The instructors simulate an abduction while not letting their victims escape. The girls’ job is to kick, punch and try to escape. The girls are wearing a helmet, glove, elbow and kneepads. There are three training simulations.
Girls react differently to the simulations. Some girls are apprehensive, but others have the adrenaline rush going and can be quite aggressive.
“I’ve been kicked pretty good, there are some young ladies who can pound you pretty hard,” Bunker said regarding the simulations. He recalls a time when he was kicked so hard in the groin that the protective apparatus went flying and the simulation had to be stopped.
The class requires a $10 fee, which gives participants RAD membership for life enabling them to go to any RAD program and practice the skills learned in the class.
With RAD, all women are welcome. There are no physical requirements and the class is offered to everyone. There are sign up sheets around campus including the campus police department office and the girls dorms.
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