When it comes to personal safety on college campuses, women should have the opportunity to learn self-defense techniques. Earlier this semester, in February, a sexual battery occurred at Mesa College which prompted a safety alert email to be sent to students. In April, another safety alert email was sent regarding an adult male exposing himself in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at Mesa College. With these incidents occurring, it is important for individuals to know resources that are available to them.

Women can learn basic self-defense techniques by attending Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes. Just recently, on April 18 and 25, RAD classes were offered at the North City campus. Each class is several hours long, so individuals should be prepared to receive a lot of important information relating to crime statistics, risk awareness, options to take during an attack, etc.

During a PowerPoint presentation, RAD instructor Linda Seamans discussed the “Victimization Triangle” which includes “victim, assailant, and opportunity.” In regards to the “Victimization Triangle” Seamans said, “The one thing you can do something about is ‘opportunity.’ You are responsible for your own safety.” Seamans also discussed that 90 percent of self-defense education focuses on the four “risks” of personal safety. This includes risk awareness, risk reduction, risk recognition, and risk avoidance.

Also instructing the RAD class was Diana Medero who is a Police Sergeant at San Diego Community College District. When discussing and teaching striking techniques, Medero said, “Energy comes from our legs…rotation of the lower body allows for a stronger impact.” Since the classes are meant to introduce simple and effective techniques, Medero discussed how hands can be used as weapons. Strikes don’t need to be with a closed hand which opens up the ability to target various vulnerable locations.

Besides hand strikes, kicks are also important when it comes to defending one’s self. Vulnerable locations, like the groin and shin, can easily be targeted with kicks and incapacitate the attacker. Blocks are also essential when it comes to self-defense. The techniques shown by Medero are meant to prepare women for various scenarios and ultimately allow the victim to escape.

When discussing the class, RAD attendee Huanita Lopez said, “The teachers are really friendly and they don’t make you uncomfortable.” Lopez’s statement captures the welcoming atmosphere of the RAD class. Instructors not only want women to be prepared for whatever may happen but they also want women to feel empowered and leave feeling more confident than when they arrived.

For information on future RAD classes or any other services provided by the San Diego Community College Police Department, visit http://police.sdccd.edu/