KRISTIN MELODY
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

“I will survive and keep going, no matter what!” is one motto for the Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D.) courses hosted on campus.

This women’s self-defense program is a four-day course that occurs Nov. 8, 10, 15 and 17 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the University Police Department. It teaches basic physical defense for women to prevent abduction, harassment, assault or rape.

“Statistics show that when women resist [assault] they have a higher likelihood of escaping,” CSUSM Police Officer Yosaren Panza said. Although CSUSM is comparatively a safe campus, attacks happen.

There were two reported rape incidents on campus in 2008 and one in 2010, according to the 2011 Jeanne Clery report.

CSUSM has scored in the bottom three lowest in terms of crime at CSU campuses, according to Officer Panza.

“Sexual assault is the most underreported crime,” Officer Panza said.

R.A.D is a non-profit program meant to offer services to people with limited time or money, according to Officer Panza. The techniques are easy to learn and effective.

According to oneinfourusa.org, “One in five college women has been raped at some point in her lifetime.”

The cost of the program is $20 but is free to returning participants nationwide who have the participant manual in their possession. The state government subsidizes a portion of the program for CSUSM to create a lower cost for students.

The program started at CSUSM in 1996 and currently takes place three times during the year, available to female students and community members.

R.A.D is a nation-wide program founded in 1989 by former police officer Lawrence N. Nadeau and “has trained more than 300,000 women since the program began,” according to their website. The R.A.D. program promotes risk awareness, reduction, recognition and avoidance as well as self-defense.

Reserve a space at www.csusm. edu/police/RAD.htm or call (760) 750-4567.