USU offers self-defense class for women

By SarahMiller
October 20, 2008

Utah State University is offering a way for female students to learn self-defense and gain awareness.

The physical education class, offered on campus, officially called Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.), is a women-only course taught by USU campus police officers.

The R.A.D. course is focused on developing and enhancing self defense options, so that women will know what their choices are if attacked.

Former R.A.D. student Mary Ince said, "I would definitely recommend the class. It's a lot of fun, you get to meet new people and it's a good step in learning self defense." She added that the class teaches you to think about how you would react in different circumstances.

R.A.D. Systems was founded in 1989 by Larry Nadeau, a former United States Marine. It is a nationwide program that has educated over 300,000 women on self-defense. R.A.D. is designed to help the average woman, with no experience in self-defense or other physical skills training. It is the only program with a free lifetime return and practice policy.

The class concentrates on teaching techniques and providing simulations that have been developed and proven throughout the years of the program.

Kylie Arbon, a current R.A.D. student said, "At first I felt a little crazy running though the drills, but as I got used to it, it became more fun and all the girls really started to get into it."

The final for the class consists of an optional simulation where students can test the skills learned throughout the semester in "real world" scenarios. Students and instructors "pad up" in order to be able to practice techniques full out.

In addition to learning self defense techniques the class also consists of lectures that teach the students how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, what emotional reactions could occur and what the options are if attacked.

Rachel Brighton, the coordinator for Utah State University's Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information (SAAVI) office, teaches a lecture each semester for the R.A.D. class about the SAAVI program.

"The R.A.D. class is fun and it builds awareness," Brighton said. The key thing is that women often believe they are not powerful, but when they walk out of the class they have a better understanding of how powerful they really are, she added.

SAAVI works to promote awareness through events they hold throughout the year. One of the main events is "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes," in which male students race a one mile course around campus in high-heeled shoes. Guys walking around in high heels attract a lot of attention, Brighton said. This event is held annually in April.

SAAVI also has a bathroom project in which about 80 bathrooms around campus, both men's and women's, have posters with information about SAAVI and CAPSA (Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency).

SAVVI is there for anyone who has experienced some kind of violence, Brighton said. "We want them to know that they don't have to do it alone."

Brighton's advice for helping someone who is dealing with sexual assault is to just listen to what they have to say. We have two ears and one mouth and they should be used in that order, Brighton said.

"Tell them you believe them, often their biggest fear is that they won't be believed." It is also good to let them know what their options are and what resources they have available to them. Go with them, and support them, Brighton added.

Brighton became involved in sexual assault and violence awareness when she was a victim advocate at BYU and did an assistantship with a similar program. For more information on the SAAVI program visit their Web site at or call 435-797-1510 for the office or 435-797-RAPE(7273) for the SAAVI Hotline.

Source: Hard News Cafe