Rape Aggression Defense (RAD)

NYS University Police at Oswego self-defense education

Could you effectively defend yourself if attacked?

Be aware...

1 out of every 4 college women polled was sexually assaulted during four years at college. (Ms. Magazine Study on Sexual Assault and Rape)
Between 1973 and 1987 (14 years), over 2.3 million women reported sexual assaults in the United States; 71% of these victims avoided being raped by taking self-protective measures. (United States Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics)

Develop your options

In 1988, rape victims took self-protective measures in 86.7% of the cases. "Rape victims were more likely to defend themselves than assault or robbery victims." (Criminal Victimization in the United States, 1988)

Don't be victimized by fear.

"In fact, the most often used strategy for avoiders (of rape) appears to have been a combination of screaming and use of physical resistance." (Bart, P. & O'Brien, P. (1985). Stopping Rape: Successful Survival Strategies. Pergamon Press, New York.)

What is the RAD System?

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. RAD is not a martial arts program. Our courses are taught by certified RAD Instructors and provide you with a workbook/ reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth. The RAD System of Physical Defense is currently being taught at many colleges and universities. The growing, wide spread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity and effectiveness of our tactics, solid research, legal defensibility and unique teaching methodology. The Rape Aggression Defense System is dedicated to teaching women defensive concepts and techniques against various types of assault, by utilizing easy, effective and proven self-defense /martial arts tactics. Our system of realistic defense will provide a woman with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance. We operate on the premise that a spontaneous violent attack will stimulate a natural desire to resist, on the part of the victim (supported by research). We educate women about "Flight or Fight Syndrome", while showing them that enhancing their option of physical defense is not only prudent, but a necessity if natural resistance is to be effective. Safety and survival in today's world requires a definite course of action. We provide effective options by teaching women to take an active role in their own self-defense and psychological well being.

Physical defense system
Aerosol defense options
Advanced self defense
Instructors' programs

Rape Aggression Defense Systems

10 Reasons why RAD systems is on the cutting edge of self-defense training.

Finally, a physical defense program for women that:

Has established the standard for female self-defense programs;
Offers no-nonsense, practical techniques of defense;
Researched the effects of "The Fight or Flight Syndrome";
Offers advanced self-defense courses that build upon the physical defense;
Provides realistic and dynamic hands on training;
Certifies Instructors from the community;
Has a litigation defense policy;
Offers state of the art programs at reasonable rates;
Every student receives a lifetime membership policy.

Rape Aggression Defense Courses

Our Basic Self Defense course for women is now offered through the regular SUNY Oswego class catalogue under the name Self-Defense for Women PED 137 (Physical Education Dept.). The classes run for eigh weeks and are 16 hours total time. We offer them on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please register via the SUNY class registry. If you get bumped from the class because it is overfull please contact us and we will try to find a space for you.

Contact: Lt. Dave Miller
SUNY Oswego
University Police

For further information, call: 315.312.5555
All students receive a lifetime free return and practice policy. The largest women's self-defense system in the country.

Officers demonstrate as former chief Cindy Adam looks on.

NYS University Police
Pathfinder Hall
SUNY Oswego
Oswego, NY 13126
Police: 315.312.5555
Fax: 315.312.2155
police@oswego.edu