SDSU Police Department
R.A.D. — Rape Aggression Defense Program
A Personal Empowerment & Safety Education Course
“The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth, and is the key to our free lifetime return and practice policy for R.A.D. graduates...
Our Instructional Objective: is to develop and enhance the options of self defense, so they may become considerations to the woman who is attacked”
(R.A.D. Systems, http://www.rad-systems.com/, accessed August 3, 2006).
The Program at SDSU
The Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Program is a comprehensive course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. It is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault using easy, effective and proven self-defense / martial arts tactics.
R.A.D. Program classes are being taught by certified instructors at many colleges and universities. Students learn techniques and methods of self-defense in a supporting environment. Through practice and role play, you’ll develop the confidence and behavior strategies, giving you a more active role in your personal safety.
In October 2004, the Aztec Parents Association graciously awarded a $3,000 grant to SDSU’s R.A.D. Program. Funds were used to purchase a simulation suit, student gear, and new blocking and kick pads. The women who participate in R.A.D. courses now have state-of-the-art equipment for use during the physically active portion of the class. All female students, faculty, staff and guests are encouraged to sign up for this proactive training.
Statistics from the US Department of Justice
Fact: Studies show that 350 women are raped each year on a campus with a female, student-population of 10,000 or more. Could you effectively defend yourself if assaulted?
Myth: Victims provoke sexual assaults when they dress provocatively or act in a promiscuous manner.
Fact: Rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence and control that stem from a person’s determination to exercise power over another. Neither provocative dress nor promiscuous behavior are invitations for unwanted sexual activity. Forcing someone to engage in non-consensual sexual activity is sexual assault, regardless of the way that person dresses or acts.
Myth: If a person goes to someone’s room or house or goes to a bar, she assumes the risk of sexual assault. If something happens later, she can’t claim that she was raped or sexually assaulted because she should have known not to go to those places.
Fact: This “assumption of risk” wrongfully places the responsibility of the offender’s actions with the victim. Even if a person went voluntarily to someone’s residence or room and consented to engage in some sexual activity, it does not serve as a blanket consent for all sexual activity. If a person is unsure about whether the other person is comfortable with an elevated level of sexual activity, the person should stop and ask. When someone says “No” or “Stop”, that means stop. Sexual activity forced upon another without consent is sexual assault.
(US Department of Justice 2000. The Sexual Victimization of College Women. Electronic document, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/182369.htm).
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Classes Offered at SDSU
Basic Course
University Police, Student Health Services and the Residential Education Office are sponsoring the R.A.D. Systems Basic Course at SDSU.
- Course hours: 14 hours of instruction including Dynamic Simulation
- Dates: Feb. 26-28, 2008
- Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Text: “R.A.D. Program Manual” (required). Textbook available for $14.99 + tax at the Aztec Shops Bookstore. Inquire at the Customer Service Desk, second level. Bring your book to class.
- Location: Cholula Hall
- Fee: $11 (free for SDSU students)
- Registration: by reservation; contact Mike Duncan or Stuart Ida at ext. 4-1990, to reserve your space in class.
We go through the dinner hour, so please bring a snack. Wear comfortable clothing and aerobic/running shoes. Sandals and bare feet are not permitted.
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R.A.D. Program
Public Safety / Police Department
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-4390
Phone: 619-594-1990
Contact: Mike Duncan, Stuart Ida
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This page last updated January 4, 2008
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