Rape Aggression Defense
(R.A.D.) classes, lead by Sgt. Jaska H. Rominger of the Appalachian
State University police, are currently being held from Oct. 23 to
Nov. 13. This is the second of three sets of classes that will meet
during the fall semester.
“The main point of the classes is to protect females against
abduction,” Rominger said.
The class meets once a week for four weeks. At the first meeting,
standard information and facts are reviewed in a student manual,
and students are given general information about safety and defense.
At the second and third meetings students put the information to
practice. Participants are taught stances, strategies and general
defense in case they ever find themselves being attacked.
The main goal in case of an attack should always be escape, but
the students will also learn three stances, five strikes and three
kicks through trained repetition.
“We want to take it seriously, but have a good time,”
Rominger said.
The fourth and final night is “simulation night.” This
is when the students put what they have learned to practice. The
women will have the option of being placed in a simulated attack.
The simulated attacker is a police officer dressed in an entirely
padded Redman suit. This simulation helps students to gain experience
in a defensive situation.
The simulated attack, and ensuing action, is videotaped and reviewed
so students can go back and see what they did well and what they
could have done better in case of a similar real-life situation.
Rominger said that in the event of an attack, “your number
one weapon of defense is your voice. Say ‘no’; yell.”
She said that confident and aggressive defense
behavior can be effective.
The final R.A.D. class of the fall semester is open to all students,
faculty and staff. Classes are allowed only 15 participants and
are for females only, although a R.A.D. class for men is a possibility
in the future.
The final class will meet Nov. 11, 18, 25, and Dec. 2 from 6-9 p.m.
in the Yosef Room of the Owens Field House. The cost is $10 and
includes free lifetime return and practice policy. Also included
are a T-shirt and an R.A.D. student manual.
For further information, contact Appalachian
State University Police at 262-2150, or email Rominger at romingrjh@appstate.edu. |
