Walking back to your dorm alone at night or taking that long walk back to the high school football field where you had to park earlier in the morning can sometimes be frightening for women at Lipscomb.
Compromising situations can arise just about anywhere for women while they’re alone. Lipscomb’s Security and Safety recognizes that and is doing something to help women feel more prepared.
Andy Hall, a R.A.D. instructor and campus officer, said that’s why campus safety is offering Rape Aggression Defense classes to teach women how to feel confident in protecting themselves through techniques and being aware of their surroundings.
“Basic physical defense for women is a priority for Lipscomb Security and Safety,” Hall said.
Campus safety is providing classes to accommodate most women’s schedules on campus between holidays, school breaks and classes. The most popular class is held on a Saturday because it’s most convenient for students.
“The goal of the class is to give women the confidence to know they can get away from a dangerous situation,” Hall said.. “The instructors are not teaching women how to do martial arts or how to take down their aggressors but instead equip them with the tools to distract their aggressors long enough to get away from the situation unharmed.”
Some techniques include teaching students about their dominant arms and certain body positions to help them exert the most force, no matter their size or strength level.
Hall and four other certified instructors teach a variety of kicks, arm movements and hits. He said they create situations within the class that are meant to cause the students distress. Those scenarios are meant to give them a taste of what a harmful situation could feel like so they’re able to react quickly and with force.
The next R.A.D. classes are Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes are $10 for Lipscomb students and $15 for staff and faculty. Visit the Campus Security and Safety website to register and find out more information. http://www.lipscomb.edu/safety/Page/Index/8237