This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Towson chapter.
After weeks of preparation the final night of the RAD course has come. The girls are anxious because tonight they will face an aggressor twice their size in three different attack scenarios. He will yell at them, grab them, pull on them, even try to lift them, and in return they will fight for their lives—and succeed. They have gained the knowledge to defend themselves in case of an attack but they have also gained something of equal importance: self confidence.
These girls are participating in a self defense course called RAD (Rape Aggression Defense). RAD teaches physical defense and various safety measures to lower the risk of an attack. During the welcome class, each participant explained why they chose to take the course. Many expressed concerns about safety on campus because of the increased crime alerts. When asked what she expected from the RAD course, Jane* said, “Whether you’re big or small, it’s good to know how to defend yourself. I don’t have a lot of self confidence—that’s something I want to build by the end of this course.” She finished by saying, “I don’t know what I’m capable of.”
During the course participants are instructed on risk awareness, recognition awareness, reduction awareness, and avoidance awareness strategies. Participants also learn about rape and date rape drugs. As part of their instruction participants learn that their most valuable weapon is their voice. Yelling not only serves the purpose of alerting others of the attack but also assists in breathing, minimizes the chance of having the air knocked out of you and projects self confidence which can shock the attacker and convince them to flee.
During the final class each girl individually takes part in the three scenarios. Each scenario becomes increasingly more intense. Volunteer Larry Bell wears a protective padded suit which allows for participants to defend themselves without actually hurting Bell.The fall Towson course was lead by Jean West and Kia D. Williams. Jean West works for the TUPD and has been a RAD instructor for 9 years. Kia D. William is a Community Outreach Officer for TUPD and has been a RAD instructor for 3 years. West, Williams, and Bell have noticed a change in RAD participants. Williams said, “I know that RAD has a very positive impact on the participants because they tell me. After every RAD session that we host, I at least have 2 to 3 people come up to me afterwards and say how much they have learned from the class, and how they didn’t know the strength they have.” Bell commented on his experience, “Being a part of RAD has been a great experience for me because it is priceless to watch women start the program and finish it with so much confidence and inner strength.”
By the end of course Jane reported back, “When I’m out at night I still have fear but I’m not afraid to fight for myself.” All the girls who participated had positive feedback about the RAD course. Not only did taking the course help raise their confidence but it changed how they felt about safety on campus. One girl said, “I can protect myself. I’m allowed to not let people touch me. I can read people’s body language if there’s a weird vibe. I can back away and be ready to protect myself.”
For more information about RAD and when the next RAD course will take place contact Jean M. West at jwest@towson.edu
*name has been changed to protect the identity of the participant*