The UVa Police Department will hold a free self-defense course at the beginning of October for interested women age 15 or older.
“It is never too late to learn a new skill,” said Officer Benjamin Rexroad, the lead contact for the class.
Rape Aggression Defense classes (RADs) have been offered by the UVa Police Department for decades. Many students find that college is an important time to learn about self-defense.
“For most students, college is their first time away from their parents and their first time with real autonomy,” said Rexroad. He added that this autonomy often causes students to stay out late at night when the risks of harm are higher.
Rexroad, a four-year veteran of the RAD program, explained that while the classes teach the physical tools needed to escape danger, often the mental lessons are more profound.
“These classes really teach mental preparation and help people figure out how they would react in a certain situation,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see students thinking about personal safety. It’s not about paranoia; it’s about opening eyes to possible dangers.”
The class will be held on October 3rd, 6th, and 10th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information or if you would like to join the course, contact Benjamin Rexroad at (434) 924-8845 or br7u@virginia.edu.
