RAD classes aim to boost women’s confidence, skills

     A self-defense program on campus sought to help women become more prepared to defend themselves, and many are already deeming it a success.

     For four weeks, female students, faculty and staff participated in Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes. The RAD program was designed to help boost women’s knowledge of self-defense and instill a greater sense of self-confidence, and many participants say it has been an effective experience.

     Kara Carragher, an administrative assistant in the student advising offices, took the class because she performs many activities on her own and had no background in self-defense.

     “I do a lot of hiking and athletic activities by myself,” she said. “I’m not putting myself in dangerous situations, but I just want to have the skills and knowledge so that I feel more confident on my own.”

     Mikaela Resende, an anthropology major, voiced similar reasons for attending the RAD program.

     “I’m always alone and by myself in the dark,” she said. “I want to be able to protect myself.” But unlike Carragher, Resende does have a background in martial arts.

     “I have a background in self-defense,” she said. “I know karate, but I don’t think that kind of self-defense skill is realistic. That’s why I took this class.”

      Academic Advisor Paula D’Amico also completed the RAD classes. “I wanted to know what to do if I’m ever caught in a situation by myself. I’d just rather be prepared. Better to be safe than sorry.”

     All three women agreed the RAD program was worth their time.

     “I definitely feel like I have some skills now,” Carragher said. “So if anyone approached me in the parking lot, I know how to respond where I didn’t know how before.”

     “I feel prepared, and it’s been fun,” added D’Amico.

     “I didn’t really know what to expect going into the class,” Resende said. “We went through booklets first, and a lot of the things were so simple. They were things I never would have thought about before.”

     Carragher, D’Amico and Resende all recommend that women take the class.

     “You do learn skills, and if you’re ever in a situation, you at least have something,” D’Amico said. “Besides, the class is fun, and it gets you thinking about ways to not only be prepared but how to avoid opportunities for attacks.”