Women interested in learning self-defense had the opportunity to participate in the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program, a shortened version of the semester-long course that consists of four three-hour sessions facilitated by the CSUN Police Services staff that ended on March 3.

“It is an opportunity for the ladies to practice self-defense under pressure, to trust themselves and to take control of the situation,” Captain Scott G. VanScoy said.

According to the CSUN PD website, RAD was founded in 1989 and has grown to be the largest self-defense training network of its kind. It provides hands-on training in prevention and risk-reduction strategies against a perpetrator.

VanScoy explained the program is about women building confidence and self-esteem.

After hands-on training and ground defense techniques, women participated in simulated assault scenarios where they were able to display the skills they learned in a safe environment.

“The class was definitely fun; I was not expecting it to be,” said Rebecca Stein, a business administration major with an emphasis in real estate. “I am really happy the instructors were very open and honest. It is not wasted energy at all.”

Only 12 people registered for the class this semester. However, some of the attendees said they would come back next time and bring more people.

Claire Smith, a communication disorders major with an emphasis in speech-language pathology, said this was her second time joining the class.

“It was a refresher for me, learning new techniques,” Smith said. “It gave me a confidence boost. I just have to practice now on my own time.”