From Harford Community College:
Women between the ages of 15 to 59 gathered recently at Harford Community College to learn how to protect themselves from physical attack, abduction, and rape. Instructor Mary Eilerman, Harford Community College’s Chief of Public Safety, was joined by colleague Brian Hammond in the instruction of Rape Aggression Defense (RAD). The program was founded in 1989 by a police officer who recognized the need for women to better protect themselves from becoming victims of sexual assault. Since then, RAD has evolved into the largest women’s organized self defense training in the world.
The 12-hour course meets six times over three weeks and is designed to build confidence, awareness, and a deeper understanding of a woman’s full potential. Instructor Mary Eilerman remarked, “I’m excited to watch the transformation of women from their sense of helplessness to women who are aware, confident, capable, and know how to prevent a sexual assault, and how to defend themselves in the event of an attack.”
Co-instructor Brian Hammond echoed her enthusiasm: “For a lot of these women, this is the first time they have seen how much power and force they can generate – they are truly unlocking their full potential. They realize that when they leave this class, they will have the tools necessary to carry themselves with confidence.”
Among the class members were four sets of mother-daughter teams. Two mothers were eager to publicize their remarks about the Rape Aggression Defense training.
Carmen Gonzales, a mother of two teenage daughters, said, “When I saw that this was being offered, I immediately signed all three of us up! My main reason for taking Rape Aggression Defense is that my oldest daughter is going off to college in the fall. With her safety as a concern, this couldn’t have been better timing! I’m glad there is a nice variety of ages taking the RAD class since any female at any age can be a target. All three of us are glad we are learning self-defense techniques which could help save our lives and hope many other ladies will take advantage of this when it’s offered again.”
One student, who asked for her identity to be withheld, stated, “Since my daughter will be heading off to college and will be on her own, I wanted her to complete a class in self defense. I signed my daughter and myself up for the RAD class at HCC. Learning the moves has given us both more confidence. Learning to be more aware of our surroundings and what to do in situations that could become dangerous should lessen our chances of being attacked. College social situations were discussed; what could go wrong in that environment and ways to avoid or respond to dangerous situations. The class has given me peace of mind as I know my daughter has learned many techniques to avoid an attack or protect her during an attack. I highly recommend RAD training for all women. The program is six classes, two hours each, and the cost is very reasonable. RAD was the perfect choice for us.”
For more information on future opportunities to attend Rape Aggression Defense training, call 443-412-2376.
A 9mm works a lot better than clawing at the eyeballs of someone twice your mass.
A couple hits from a modern firearm dispensing good quality defense ammunition would be the appropriate response to any attempted rape. But, Father OweMalley knows better and thus would prefer that women be easier victims, and thus makes it nearly impossible to obtain a CCW in this state.
The only proper place to incarcerate a violent sex offender / predator is in a pine box 6 feet down.
Kharn and Anonymous, As you both know, this is Maryland. In Maryland only the outlaws have guns, the law abiding citizenry aren’t permitted to have a concealed carry permit. Unless, of course, you have a friend in high places. Some of the ‘more equal animals’ do get one. So if you are being raped then the government wants you to just lie back and surrender to it and then when it is over you can call the police who will take you to the hospital and record your statement. Whatever you do please don’t resist them because they may very well have the gun you aren’t permitted to have.