September 18, 2006

SIUC offers self-defense class for women

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale will again offer 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 Thursday, Oct. 5.

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Media Advisory

Reporters and photographers are welcome to cover the training sessions. The last session on Thursday, Oct. 26, 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.

SIUC's Department of Public Safety offers the classes. The application deadline is Sept. 29.

The sessions run from 6 to 9 p.m. in the dance studio at the Student Recreation Center. Dates for the program are Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26.

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.

The program also offers techniques for escaping and surviving an attack, Miller said.

For more information or to register, call Miller at 618/453-3771.