San Marcos,
19
February
2016
|
13:57 PM
America/Los_Angeles

CSUSM offers Rape Aggression Defense Course, March 1-3

Media Advisory by Whitney Frasier

The University Police Department (UPD) at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) is hosting a three-day Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Class for women, March 1-3. The course is open to faculty, staff, students and community members.

The course is designed to teach females how to prevent being attacked, as well as learn basic self-defense techniques one could implement during an attack.

“The biggest misconception of being attacked is who the attacker is and the force in which they use, especially on college campuses,” said Police Officer Matthew Curran.

Many times rapes are portrayed through entertainment and movies as the unknown attacker lying in wait. While these rapes do occur and are violent, they are rare.

“Most people who are attacked are attacked by someone they know,” said Curran. “These instances usually arise when both parties have been drinking or doing drugs. The attacks occur at parties or in personal areas, such as dorm rooms, when the [attacker] has been invited in.”

During the course, instructors will lead group discussions and use practical demonstrations and instruction to teach blocking, striking and freeing oneself from chokes or bear hugs. Once a student has attended the 12-hour course, they can expect to implement these skills in real-world scenarios.

Students of the class will also learn what they can do in their day-to-day routine to help them reduce their chances of being attacked.

“Ninety percent of self defense is avoidance,” said Curran. “If it can’t be avoided, then providing our students with a ‘survival mindset’ that will instill the confidence they need to defend themselves.”

Students must be 15 years or older to participate and those under 18 years old must have a waiver signed by their guardian. To register for the class visit their website, or more information contact the UPD at pace@csusm.edu.

What: RAD Class: A three-day, women-only self defense course

When: March 1-3 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Must attend all three days

Where: University Police Department, Emergency Operations Center

CSUSM is located at 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road in San Marcos.

Cost: Students: Free

Faculty, Staff, Community: $10

About California State University San Marcos

Building on an innovative 25-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange Counties.

The University enrolls over 14,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.