Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD)

 
Self-defense course aims to empower women
By Hope Davis

With so much attention spent on security sine Sept. 11, 2001 many community colleges have been looking for new and improved ways to keep their campuses safe. Colleges are looking into high-tech ways to secure their campuses and planning for scenarios that can handle crises on monumental levels.

Fortunately, in most cases, troubles that arise on community college campuses are less intrusive in nature. It's often off campus where students face more violent crimes. That's why the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has taken a holistic approach to security, looking at ways to empower students, especially the female population, through methods of self-defense.

About four years ago, CCBC's public safety department embarked on a self-defense system known as Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) - intense training sessions that rely on lecture, discussion and self-defense techniques that are particularly suitable for women. Although women were the main focus at the start of the program, RAD has expanded is reach and even formed techniques that are appropriate for children. Techniques specifically geared for males also are in the works.

CCBC Public Safety Lieutenant Joseph Tate, trained in RAD instruction, gives regular presentations on campus. For those who are interested in more in-depth instruction, the college offers a course with both credit and noncredit options.

RAD techniques and strategies cover everything from defending against multiple subject encounters to weapon defense. Its foundation is based on education and awareness.

LT. Tate, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 300 pounds, serves as a formidable opponent for the women who participate in the RAD presentations. His goal is to make the presentations as lifelike as possible so students are prepared if they ever face an actual assault.

"Whether they are walking alone on a campus parking lot at night or running in the park in their neighborhood, I want my students to fell confident that I've armed them with the strategies and techniques that can help them from being victimized," Tate said. "Preparation is half the battle of surviving an attack. I'm trying to do my part to make sure they're prepared."

Tiffany A. Richardson, a student who has participated in RAD training, said the techniques give her more confidence.

"I hope I never fall victim to a crime, but if I do, I feel that the RAD training ahs prepared me to handle some very difficult situation," Richardson said. "I know the techniques work. I've even practiced some of them on my husband and he will tell you that they are a definite deterrent."

In addition to offering the RAD training to women on campus, Tate also offers the training to kids in the local community. He fells that children, more than ever, need techniques that can ward off attackers.

"I take the word 'community' in community college very seriously," Tate said. "Making the community safer ultimately makes the community college safer. It's important to me that RAD training reaches beyond the borders of our college campus."

RAD training seems to be more popular at four-year institution than community colleges. Only two community colleges offer RAD training in Maryland, where CCBC is located. Nationally, more the 250,000 women have participated in the RAD Basic Physical Defense Program. For more information about RAD and to learn how your community college can become involve, visit www.rad-systems.com .

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