Rape Aggression Defense System
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.
The RAD system objective is based on the philosophy of choices, "to develop and enhance the option of self defense so that they may become more viable considerations to the woman who is attacked." It is a completely natural response when an individual resists during a violent encounter. Yet, unless a woman has developed her options of resistance with education and training, the resistance she attempts may be futile. We try to strengthen innate survival techniques by making her options more available. Preparation through education and training is usually the best way to survive an assault situation.
This course is broken into several sessions. Many issues encompassed are awareness and prevention, sexual assault definitions, patterns of encounter, the decision to resist, basic principles of self defense, self-empowerment, the defensive mindset and management of the sexually assaulted survivor. The class ends with a realistic Simulation Training Session.
Each session is based on the notion that awareness and prevention are 90% of avoidance, therefore leaving physical defense as a final option that may or may not be the choice of the woman to utilize. Above all, the RAD program is based on the theory that no one decision is right for all women in all situations. Much revolves around choices and options. Alternatives such as compliance, as well as flight, are also discussed so that we have survivors.
A primary goal of RAD is to heighten a woman's level of awareness without building a false sense of security. We hope that through education and training, a woman will be more aware of her surroundings, therefore recognizing potentially dangerous situations and avoiding them.
