RAD teaches new defense mechanisms
Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: News
Beginning this fall, Drexel will offer Rape Aggression Defense hands-on self-defense classes to all female students, faculty and staff at no cost, according to Candace Wannamaker, director of Victim Support and Intervention.
"We hear that students aren't feeling safe and this is offered as another set of tools," Wannamaker said.
The course is not a martial arts program, but allows students to learn about self-defense through a nine-hour or 12-hour course that includes a simulation with full body contact.
It's not a lecture; it's very physical. Instructors will talk a little about statistics and go into using different types of your body as weapons, according to Wannamaker.
"[The program] is to help women be more conscious knowing they can get out of situation," Wannamaker said.
There are 11 trained instructors at Drexel, including three members from Drexel Public Safety.
Jessica Mckeever, a trained instructor for RAD and member of DPS said the statistics are staggering that one in four women is raped.
"If we can reduce that number by teaching this course, then my job is done," Mckeever said.
According to their web site, "The RAD program educates women about 'the flight or fight syndrome', while showing them that enhancing their option of physical defense is not only prudent, but a necessity if natural resistance is to be effective."
"It's going to give more confidence to feel safe," Wannamaker said. "One of those things you can use if you're ever put into a position."
Wannamaker also explained that most go into shock mode when they are put into a situation, and this teaches you techniques to do if something happens.
The self-defense is targeted so that women learn enough moves to get them off of you and get away from them, according to Mckeever.
"You always win a fight that you can get away from," she said.
The 30-hour training course for instructors included a lecture about the program and self-defense followed by learning basic moves and then advanced moves, according to Mckeever.
The first session begins Sept. 30 and runs Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks. The Office of Victim Support and Intervention Services through the Office of Counseling and Health and partnering with the Department of Public Safety brought the RAD program to Drexel.
"We hear that students aren't feeling safe and this is offered as another set of tools," Wannamaker said.
The course is not a martial arts program, but allows students to learn about self-defense through a nine-hour or 12-hour course that includes a simulation with full body contact.
It's not a lecture; it's very physical. Instructors will talk a little about statistics and go into using different types of your body as weapons, according to Wannamaker.
"[The program] is to help women be more conscious knowing they can get out of situation," Wannamaker said.
There are 11 trained instructors at Drexel, including three members from Drexel Public Safety.
Jessica Mckeever, a trained instructor for RAD and member of DPS said the statistics are staggering that one in four women is raped.
"If we can reduce that number by teaching this course, then my job is done," Mckeever said.
According to their web site, "The RAD program educates women about 'the flight or fight syndrome', while showing them that enhancing their option of physical defense is not only prudent, but a necessity if natural resistance is to be effective."
"It's going to give more confidence to feel safe," Wannamaker said. "One of those things you can use if you're ever put into a position."
Wannamaker also explained that most go into shock mode when they are put into a situation, and this teaches you techniques to do if something happens.
The self-defense is targeted so that women learn enough moves to get them off of you and get away from them, according to Mckeever.
"You always win a fight that you can get away from," she said.
The 30-hour training course for instructors included a lecture about the program and self-defense followed by learning basic moves and then advanced moves, according to Mckeever.
The first session begins Sept. 30 and runs Tuesdays and Thursdays for two weeks. The Office of Victim Support and Intervention Services through the Office of Counseling and Health and partnering with the Department of Public Safety brought the RAD program to Drexel.
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