 "Photo: Melody Andrews -- For The South End")
In 1989, Lawrence N. Nadeau devised the Rape Aggression Defense Systems and began training women in self-defense.
Now offered through Wayne State’s Public Safety, RAD is an intense, four-day program that ran Nov. 10-13, teaching women that through simple techniques, and a little thought “you don’t need any baseball bats,” said Sgt. Kelvin Thomas, a RAD instructor of eight years.
According to the Michigan State Police, most rapes are committed without a weapon.
“Realize that you can fight back,” said Melissa Lesperance a RAD instructor of nine years, and WSU police dispatcher.
“You don’t have to be a victim.”
“In my circumstance, it wasn’t somebody that I did not know,” said Heather Dicks, a South African native who moved to the United States 10 years ago to escape her past.
Dicks, then in her early 20s, was employed as an assistant workshop manager working with deaf, blind and epileptic people.
“It was very rewarding work,” Dicks said. “I loved it.”
Two years into her employment, and comfortably working with a close-knit and caring staff, her boss, a Methodist minister, and family man, attacked her.
Confusion, shame and isolation quickly followed. “I didn’t know who I could talk to,” Dicks said.
“I didn’t tell my co-workers because I felt that they would think that I had asked for it, maybe not in words, but in actions.”
Generally, people think of Jodie Foster’s Oscar-winning portrayal of a rape victim in “The Accused.” In real life it is rarely like that.
“Most people keep it well hidden for years and years,” said Mary White, director of the Campus Health Center.
“I can count on one hand the number of times that the victim was hysterical.”
‘No’ is a constant RAD command and for Dicks it meant more than rejection, refusal and denial.
“It felt good to say ‘No’ this week because my ‘No’s’ were heard by others,” Dicks said. “I heard myself saying ‘No’ and meaning it.”
“What is it that we’ve taught you that you can apply?” asked WSU police officer Eleshia Kelly.
A perpetrator will often use some form of intimidation to create a hold, and generate fear over the victim that puts them into submission.
“Initially, before you’re approached, it’s better to fight,” White said.
Eleven years after being mugged at gunpoint in Chicago, Michigan native and WSU professor Mairi Noverr matter-of-factly said, “I never considered going on the offensive before this class.”
Physical perfection is not essential to go to a RAD class. A cultural mix of participants stood from 5-feet-3- inches to 5-feet-9-inches, with fitness levels ranging from couch potato to athletically gifted.
“RAD is about empowering you,” Thomas said, “to let you know that you can defend yourself.”
Intended for every woman, young or old, there are consequences for taking part.
“Petting my cat was a chore this morning,” chuckled Africana Studies professor Lisa Alexander, one day after completing RAD.
The fourth and final night of RAD consists of a three-part simulation.
“We try to make it stressful,” said training officer, Gary Voight. “It’s going to be stressful.”
Summing up the RAD philosophy, Lt. David Scott said, “Turn fear into anger, and anger into power.”
RE Concealed Carry. Those persons who participated in the CCW process and received the required "pre-CCW training" know that under our CCW laws, the possession of a handgun in a classroom or dormitory is prohibited under Michigan's CCW law. Any WSU student found in possession of a "great equalizer" in a dorm or classroom faces immediate arrest and almost immediate...(it might take an hour or so) expulsion (permanent) from WSU or any other university. (possession of a valid CCW permit is immaterial).