UA Offers Free Self-Defense Training Sessions

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Women’s Resource Center (WRC) along with the UA Student Government Association, the University Police and the Women’s Honors Program are co-sponsoring free Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training for female faculty, staff, students and community members.

The first session will be on Oct. 2, 4, 9 and 11 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and the second session will be offered on Nov. 6, 8, 13 and 15 from 3:30-6:30 p.m.; the sessions will be held on campus in 300 Moore Hall.

RAD is a 12-hour, self-defense workshop that teaches women realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. Participants are taught how to reduce their risk of attack by increasing their environmental awareness and by learning skills to enhance their personal safety. The experience offers personal rewards, like self-dependency and the realization of one’s physical power.

The WRC has offered four RAD programs during the past two years — more than 40 women have been trained in self-defense techniques.

“RAD is so valuable to women because it provides them with a full set of tools to defend themselves,” Heather Swindler of the WRC said. “They learn how to use eye contact, voice, body movements and physical stance to escape, and then the final session is a simulated attack. After the RAD program, women have skills and confidence to reduce their risks in a dangerous situation.”

General information and registration is available by calling the WRC at 205/348-5040. The WRC is located in the Russell Student Health Center.

The WRC’s mission is to provide outreach, services and advocacy to empower women and to encourage their full, active and equal participation in the community.