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Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Systems
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Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Systems
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According to USA Today (1990), there is a violent crime committed on a college campus somewhere in the United States every 2 hours and 12 minutes. They further state that "every 21 hours, there is a rape on campus." Regarding colleges and universities, other sources report that "1 out of 12 college males admits to acts legally defined as rape or attempted rape." (Mademoiselle, May 1990). And, according to New Woman (1990), "The United States has the world's highest rape rate of the countries that publish such statistics - 13 times higher than England - more than 20 times higher than Japan's."
Bart and O'Brien, in 1985's Stopping Rape: Successful Survival Strategies, state that, "In fact, the most often used strategy for avoiders (of rape) appears to have been a combination of screaming and use of physical resistance."
The newest method of "physical resistance" being taught on the TCU campus to try and turn these frightening statistics around is the Rape Aggression Defense System of Poquoson, Virginia. RAD, as it is called, is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. RAD is not a martial arts program. The courses are taught by certified RAD instructors and provides the attendees with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth. The RAD System of Physical Defense is currently at many colleges and universities. The growing, widespread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity and effectiveness of the tactics, solid research, legal defensibility and unique teaching methodology. The Rape Aggression Defense System is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense/martial arts tactics. The system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.
RAD operates on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate a natural desire to resist, on the part of the victim (supported by research). RAD 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. Safety and survival in today's world requires a definite course of action. RAD provides effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well-being.
Rape Aggression Defense System programs are being offered by the TCU Police Department. The RAD program was developed for and is offered to women only.
Program information and statistics taken from RAD-produced brochure.
