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SAPR team hosts its first Rape Aggression Defense course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Fairchild's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team hosted its very first RAD course Jan. 16-17 to help women defend themselves from acts of sexual assault and rape.

The course--planned to take place once a quarter--prepares women with different self-defense tactics to use against an aggressor.

"It's important to learn self-defense because you never know when an attack is going to come," said Tech. Sgt. Jerry Britt, the RAD primary instructor. "If you're not prepared for that attack, the 'fight or flight' scenario that is expected doesn't always occur because people tend to freeze."

RAD is a two-day course that involves an individual actually going through a simulated scenario and physically defending themselves from an unexpected attack. It will help women reduce the risk, which will take away the opportunity of the aggressor from attacking them, and learn defensive tactics that could help save their lives.

"This is a great course and I encourage women to come and take advantage of it," he said. "With the spike in sexual assault in the Air Force and in general, it's an interactive course where people can reduce their risk and help prevent attacks."

Senior Airman Stefania Esquer, a 92nd Comptroller Squadron travel pay technician and RAD participant, recommends everybody, especially women, attend and take advantage of the course.

"The course taught me how to defend myself and how to be more cautious and aware of my surroundings," she said. "This course opens up your mind and makes you understand -- no matter how strong or weak you might be -- you can get out of a bad situation and save your life if you know the techniques and movements to escape from someone."

RAD is designed for women, but is also available for men if there is a group of men large enough to hold a class. If interested in signing up for RAD, contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at (509) 247-7272.