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Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program

The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Program taught by HUPD officers empowers female students, faculty, and staff to combat various types of assaults by providing them with realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. This empowerment is taught through four basic principles: education, dependency on self, making one’s own decisions, and realization of one’s own power. The objective of RAD is to develop and enhance self-defense options for women. The course, which consists of four, 4-hour classes, begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and risk avoidance, while progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training. The classes provide women with the knowledge to make educated decisions about resistance.

"Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I had to use my RAD skills this semester. While traveling through Paris with my friend, we were approached by a man who propositioned us for sex. When we turned to walk away he followed us, which was when my RAD skills were put to use. I screamed at him to leave us alone, but while my back was turned he grabbed my friend by the hood and simultaneously tried to pull her into his apartment and unzipped his fly. I ran up screaming at him to let her go, and hit and kicked him until he did.

I'm positive that RAD training made the difference that enabled me to react quickly. This guy was so shocked that I fought back, especially so vocally, that after we fought for a little while he let her go.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. RAD may have saved my life in Paris and the life of my friend. I know that without practice in RAD class I would not have had the courage or the skills to kick, scream, and fight back. So thank you."

—Harvard College student

Classes are open only to female students, faculty, and staff. In order to sucessfully complete the course, students are required to attend all four classes.

School of Public Health - October 20, 22, 27, and 29. Classes run from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

Law School - October 1, 15, November 5, 19, and December 3. Classes run from 6:30 to 8:30 PM except the 12/3 class which runs 6:30 to 10:00 PM.

River Houses (Leverett House Old Library) - November 3, 10, 17, and 24. Classes run from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

Harvard Business School (Shad Hall South Dance Studio) - November 6, 13, 20, and December 4. Classes run from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Sign up at the Shad Hall front desk. Priority will be given to Business School affiliates and partners.

Students must attend all four sessions in order to sucessfully complete the course.

Please note all classes are open to all students, faculty, and staff regardless of affiliation area.

Additional courses are in the process of being scheduled and will be posted as they are finalized. Please email the RAD Coordinator to sign up for a course above.

For more information about the course please contact the RAD Coordinator, or visit: www.rad-systems.com.