Fighting Back
Rape Aggression Defense Training brings awareness
By Aaron Kokoruz
Staff Reporter

A weekend training course in protection against rape, sexual assault and other violent crimes began at TCU Saturday and Sunday in the University Recreation Center.

Rape Aggression Defense Training is a self-defense training program for women. This program is nationally recognized and is offered by certified instructors.

“There’s a huge need for it everywhere, and it’s important for all females to protect themselves,” said Pam Christian, TCU police officer. “It can happen anywhere.”

The course starts with classroom instruction and is followed by hands-on experience.

“I’ve done martial arts for seven years, so I’m interested in learning new techniques,” said Kat Barseth, a freshman premajor who attended the course.

Junior early childhood education major Marcy Maher said she was sexually assaulted last year. She didn’t attend the RAD program but said it is a good idea, and every female should get involved.

“I would assume there is a problem with sexual assault at TCU, but there are women out there who are scared to talk about it just like I was,” Maher said.

More than 50 percent of rapes are planned in advance, and three out of four victims of sexual assault know their attacker, according to the Daniel Webster College RAD Web site.

Val Lund, a student studying in Spain, said in an e-mail that the courses are especially important for females who travel abroad.

“There are many times I’ve been walking alone late at night in a foreign city and feel a little scared,” said Lund, a senior speech communication major.

For a female over 14, chances of being sexually assaulted are one in three, according to the Daniel Webster College RAD Web site.

Christian said the next RAD program at TCU will be in late January and is free to all female faculty, staff, students and family members.

For more information on the program, contact Christian at p.christian@tcu.edu or (817) 257-7276.