While attendance at local self-defense classes may be down, some still consider safety concerns a top priority.
“Just because Derrick Todd Lee was caught, doesn’t mean women in Baton Rouge are now safe,” said Kashanta Adams, a sociology senior. “Every woman should be prepared and able to protect themselves, there are still predators and rapists lurking.”
Adams is one of several women who participated in the Rape Aggression Defense systems course this weekend at the Rec.
Kathy Saichuk, wellness education coordinator and advanced RAD instructor said class attendance has been down following Lee’s capture.
However, Saichuk said the course remains a valuable tool to females and aims to teach women how to prevent being attacked as well as how to defend themselves in the event of an assault.
RAD is a 12-hour self-defense course designed specifically for women, Saichuk said.
“It’s important to realize that when women are attacked, it’s much different from two men getting into a fight,” Saichuk said.
The classes provide women with options to help protect themselves and escape dangerous situations.
Saichuk said the course included a portion lecture, followed by drills and instruction on various techniques.
Women then utilized the information and techniques learned during the final phase, a session which consists of a simulation where male aggressors approach the RAD participants and attempt to assault them.
Both the women and aggressors are outfitted in protective gear prior to the simulation, Saichuk said.
“The women get a chance to experience the success of defending themselves,” Saichuk said.
The simulation component is what makes RAD training different from other self defense classes. Through the reenactment of an assault, skills are put to the test, Saichuk said.
Through this simulation, RAD establishes the mindset of a women who is being preyed upon.
The aggressors approach the women and act as if they were real-life attackers, making degrading comments to catch the women off guard, Saichuk said. The aggressors then attempt to attack and assault the women.
Saichuk said RAD stresses the importance of the removal of an opportunity for an assault.
“Self defense is something every women should know,” said Chassidy Jeanminette, a secondary education sophomore and RAD participant. “People need to take self defense more seriously now that the serial killer has been caught and women have stopped talking about it.”
Jeanminette, Adams and fellow participants received training and were taught the four risks of personal safety. These four components include recognition, reduction, avoidance, and awareness, Saichuk said.
Saichuk said 90 percent of protecting oneself lies within these four tips.
“Women need to be aware of potentially dangerous situations and not put themselves at further risk of an attack,” Saichuk said.
Saichuk used the example of female students attending night classes.
Females should be sure to walk in well-lit areas and should never walk alone, Saichuk urged.
Saichuk also suggested having friends drop female students off and pick them up following class.
RAD stirs awareness and reminds women of high-risk behaviors, such as walking alone, Saichuk said.
“RAD teaches the importance of being proactive instead of reactive,” Jeanminette said.
In addition to avoiding situations which look to be hazardous, Saichuk said RAD encourages the women to trust their instincts.
“Trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel right, chances are it isn’t a good situation to be in.” Saichuk said.
The greatest thing about the program is the confidence which it instills in its participants.
“There is a definite change in the women’s mental strength and demeanor,” Saichuk said. “They develop a more confident attitude after completing the class.”
If a woman appears to be afraid, she is more likely to be attacked. However, if a woman appears confident and aware, an attacker may think twice, Saichuk explained.
All participants in the course receive a lifetime membership to RAD, Saichuk said. Being a lifetime member grants them permission to attend any future RAD classes.
“It is important to practice one’s skills,” Saichuk said. “If you practice enough these skills can become second nature.”
Saichuk said RAD is a nationwide program which hosts courses throughout the United States.
RAD usually hosts one or two sessions per semester at the University and encourages women of all ages to participate.