March 29, 2006
SIUC offers self-defense class for women
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale is again offering a nationally recognized program for women that teaches self-defense tactics as well as techniques to reduce the risk of an attack.
The R.A.D., or Rape Aggression Defense system training, begins Tuesday, April 4.
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Media Advisory
Reporters and photographers are welcome to cover the training sessions. The last session on Tuesday, April 25, will include simulations where instructors don the "Red Man Outfit" and participants demonstrate lessons learned in the course. To arrange interviews or for more information contact SIUC police officer Scott Miller at 618/453-8612.
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The training is free and open to any female 12 and older, although participants under 17 require parental approval. Participants should wear something comfortable for the classes. The classes are open to the public.
SIUC's Department of Public Safety is offering the classes.
The sessions run from 4 to 7 p.m. in the dance studio at the Student Recreation Center. Dates for the programs are April 4, 11, 18, and 25.
The program focuses on mental planning and preparation before a woman finds herself in trouble, and also provides a simple physical training program. The program is taught by police officers certified as R.A.D. instructors and is not a martial arts program.
The comprehensive course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training.
The program can provide women with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance, SIUC police officer Scott Miller said. The program is not just about how to confront an attacker. The key is risk reduction, avoidance and having a mental plan that outlines safety techniques, Miller said.
For more information or to register call Miller at 618/453-3771.
Community outreach and promoting campus safety are among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.