Student and faculty women practiced ground moves, blocking and other self-defense tactics on campus last weekend.
The Rape Aggression Defense Systems Program instructs women in an effort to prevent attacks around campus.
Nicole Pierce, psychology freshman, said she learned about RAD from The Daily Reveille’s Web site, and it peaked her interest.
“I live by myself, and my apartment isn’t the safest place, so I wanted to be able to protect myself,” Pierce said.
Sarah Latiolais, Student Union building manager and RAD instructor, said she doesn’t mind not receiving monetary compensation for her job with RAD.
“Probably the most rewarding part of being an instructor is watching students become confident about themselves and then sometimes become instructors themselves,” said Latiolais.
Latiolais previously worked in Miller Hall, where she said she saw girls in dangerous situations in which she said her self-defense lessons could be applied.
The most common situation was girls coming home very drunk from the bars, Latiolais said.
“This made me want to become an instructor and educate young women,” Latiolais said.
The first night of class is mostly lecture on drinking and rape, as well as recognizing threats in a situation, Latiolais said.
“Saturday and Sunday are the physical days of practicing ground defenses, blocks and other moves,” Latiolais said.
Students pad up and practice their moves on the last day in a mock attack with police officers as the attackers, Latiolais said.
RAD is sponsored by the University’s Wellness Education Center and the LSU Police Department.
Wellness Education Coordinator Kathy Saichuk has worked with RAD for 15 years and instructed the program this weekend.
“There is at least one RAD program each semester, and there are hundreds of RAD programs in colleges across the country,” Saichuk said.
The program focuses on preventing and escaping dangerous situations rather than fighting an attacker, she said.
“The No. 1 rule is being aware of your surroundings and keeping your head held high to show you’re aware,” Saichuk said.
Latiolais discourages talking on your cell phone when one is walking around at night by themselves.
“If you look like a victim, you are one,” Latiolais said.
Pierce said she was surprised when she found out they weren’t going to be practicing moves to attack people.
“There is a lifetime return and practice policy and former students can practice their skills for free,” Latiolais said.
The cost for University students and faculty is $25, but Latiolais said the Wellness Center can usually make accommodations for students who can’t afford it.
“The importance of learning the skills is greater than the money being made from it,” Latiolais said.
Pierce said she felt more confident after learning the techniques and strongly encouraged all women to participate in the future.
Contact Mallory Logan at [email protected]