By Margaret Anderson
The officers at the Orem City Police Department are making women aware of the dangers on the streets.
Through a program called RAD, Rape Aggression Defense, officers are trying to arm women with the proper skills and knowledge so they can protect themselves against dangers such as rape, sexual assault and theft, said Lt. Jeff Long of the Orem Police Department.
“Know what’s around you, know what’s going on,” Long said at a rape prevention seminar Wednesday, May 17.
Long encouraged women to not be embarrassed, but instead be adamant about setting limits in uncomfortable situations.
“When we talk about being assertive, you’ve got to give 100 percent,” Long said.
The RAD program also exists at BYU. The class is offered Fall and Winter semesters as a special section of Physical Education 155.
“I think it (RAD) should be offered at every university,” said Amy Shroeppel a 17-year-old junior from Timpview High School in Provo who attended Wednesday’s class.
Shroeppel said she felt more confident after having learned about some things that she could do if ever confronted with a precarious situation.
Long said attending one class is helpful and helps to make women more aware. However, he said a more long-term course would be more beneficial.
Long also said that learning about rape prevention is essential because many women’s first reaction when attacked is to go numb. RAD teaches women how to fight back.
“There is a lot of off-campus housing in sketchy areas,” said Jean Irving, a sophomore from Vienna, Virg., majoring in communications.
Taking a class would prove to be helpful because many students aren’t savvy to the dangers that exist in Provo, Irving said.
Those interested in having a RAD instructor speak to a group of women (such as for a relief society enrichment class) are encourage to contact Jeff Long at the Orem Police Department.
