NEWSBEAT REPORTER

Late classes and deserted parking lots make safety a big concern for women walking on campus at night.

The LSU Wellness Center and LSU Police Department  has hosted a Rape Agression Defense Class, also known as RAD, for the past 12 years.  This program has helped students like Catlin Powell deal with the idea of being raped.”

“You always think like I’ll be able to throw someone off,” said Powell, a RAD participant. “I’m stronger than that. It’s not a big deal alot of people are stronger than  you think.”

RAD has given Powell the satisfaction of knowing she can protect herself.

“I mean whether or not you use it or not, hopefully you don’t have to[use skills taugh in RAD classes] but it gives you the comfort of knowing that you,” said Powell.

RAD Coordinator Kathy Saichuk, said awarness is one success of the RAD classes.

“I think what the RAD class has done is help with the awarness women have and better decision making,” said Saichuk.

Giving three days to the RAD course can have an everlasting impression on your safety.

“These 12 hours even though it sounds like a lot of time is a very short amount of time when it comes to your life time,” said Saichuk.

Detective David Heroman is a RAD instructor, and he thinks after training students are prepared for a real life situation.

“A little girl very very light weight threw me across the room using different maneouvers and she said ‘Oh my god it works!’ and I said, I need a minute to catch my breath,” said Heroman.

 The class is $25 for students$45 for nonstudents interested in participating.